Sheet Hedges Wood

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The woods are 1 mile north of Groby, off the Newton Linford to Groby road in Central Leicestershire. The site is beyond the Groby Quarry (postcode LE6 0HF).

The pedestrian entrance to the wood is on Groby Lane, Newtown Linford, LE6 0HG going north just before Sevenoaks Nursery. The car park at the entrance to the wood is now permanently closed. Parking is available 10 minutes walk away at the Groby Pool car park, Newtown Linford Lane, nr Groby, Central Leicestershire, LE6 0FR.

The 30 hectare site is made up of two areas of woodland and an agricultural field with public access.  Map of the Wood.

The second, somewhat larger, area of tree cover is ancient woodland which is known to have existed as far back at 1086 when it was recorded in the Domesday Book. This area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its high ecological value. It comprises a rich mix of native trees including Oak, Ash, Wild Cherry and Hazel. In spring the woodland floor is carpeted in the colourful flowers of Bluebell, Wood Anemone, Yellow Archangel and Red Campion.

The woodland block nearer to the road is a younger plantation which was thinned and restocked with native broad-leaved trees in 1997.

In the open field between the two woodlands, over 5000 trees have been planted to link the existing wooded areas. Natural regeneration of tree seedlings out from the old wood will also be encouraged to increase further the value of the site.

In addition to this, an area has been seeded with a mix of locally indigenous species of grasses and wild flowers. The meadow will be cut for hay each year in late summer.

The woodland nearest to the road includes some access trails. A network of paths is also available around the rest of the site.

There are woodland access trails.

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Email: countryparks@leics.gov.uk
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