Glapton Wood (also known as Whitegate Wood)

Glapton Wood map

Click here for a downloadable version of the map

Introduction

Most of the old Clifton Woods was knocked down when the estate was built in the 1950s, but Glapton Wood is thought to be one of the last remaining smaller bits. Being so close to the estate means nature is right on your doorstep.
It’s a pick and mix of woodland – everywhere you turn there's a different type of tree. High in the sky towers the oak, with elder and hawthorn underneath. Lower even further and other trees and scrubs are sprinkled around: ash, sycamore and hazel are the most common.
At ground level you’ll notice bramble and the purple flower of the rosebay willowherb.
It’s not just living trees that make up the woodland. While it may seem bizarre, dead trees are a good habitat for insects and fungi, so every now and again you may come across one of those.
Different varieties of birds can be seen searching for food and gathering materials for their nest. The great spotted woodpecker, bullfinch and chiffchaff are just a few.

For more information on Glapton Wood, see the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserves page.

Glapton Wood is managed by Nottingham City Council.

Image © Emma Wheater

Lower entrance

To the north-west of the reserve, at the bottom of the hill by the school, there is a well used entrance to the woodland.  From here you can either cut through straight to Whitegate Vale, or wonder off into the woodland. 

in the woodland...

Once you walk through the woodland, you find yourself taken away - you could be anywhere, and the trees are beautiful.  It is mainly a mix of oak, ash and elder, with a mix of other native British trees too.

A mix of fruit trees

As the woodland meets the meadow, you will pass an increasing amount of fruit trees.

Wild cherry can be found throughout the wood, but there are also blackthorn (which grows fruit sloes), damson, plum and apple trees. There's one apple tree in particular, if you can find it, that puts on a marvellous display of bright red apples each year.

The meadow at the top of the hill

An important habitat at Glapton Wood is in fact the wildflower meadow.  In the summer months you can see a colourful mix of buttercups, meadow cranesbill, germander speedwell and common knapweed, amongst others.  These attract butterflies and bees which you can watch whilst listening to the bird song of the woodland.

Take the bus

It is a short walk from the nearest bus stop on Farnborough road to Glapton (Whitegate Wood).  Take the number 48 bus (NCT navy line).