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Walk in nature
In Cassiobury Park you can explore nature including:
Whippendell Woods
About half of Cassiobury Park is wooded and Whippendell Woods is an ancient woodland that dates back to at least 1600.
The woods are carpeted in bluebells in spring and sunny paths attract rare butterflies like the purple emperor or white admiral. There is a boundary trail accessible to pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists and many criss-cross paths to explore on foot. There are two car parks, the main one off Grove Mill Lane and a smaller car park off Rousebarn Lane.
See the history of Whippendell woods on Wikipedia website
Ancient trees
Cassiobury Park has a large number of mature and veteran trees, including a Cedar of Lebanon, which is over 100 years old, and several veteran Oaks, one of which is home to a little owl who likes to sit and watch the world go by.
Wildflower meadows
Several areas of Cassiobury Park are left to grow as meadows during the summer. This encourages insects which intern encourages birds and mammals. The meadows have a glorious display of spring bulbs and in summer are increasing getting more wildflowers establishing. The meadows are cut for hay in the Autumn as this allows flowers to set seed and reduces the nutrient levels over time which supports more wildflowers that prefer a nutrient poor environment.
Local Nature Reserve
The River Gade, a globally rare chalk river runs through Cassiobury Park parallel with the Grand Union Canal. This area is designated a Local Nature Reserve and contains lots of wildlife from dragonflies and butterflies through to bats and muntjac deer. You can enjoy watching birds such as mandarin ducks, little egret and heron on and around the water and might be lucky enough to spot the blue flash of a kingfisher. We ask that dogs are kept on a lead in the nature reserve to protect the wildlife. Some of the paths can be wet and wellies are recommended if you want to explore away from the surfaced paths.
