The National Forest

Hollow Oak Wood

An 11.7ha Tender Scheme winner (in 1999) near Newtown Unthank, this site sorms a continuous block of woodland with neighbouring Tender Schemes and existing woodland at Martinshaw Wood.  The site takes its name from the old oak tree in the centre of the site. The heartwood has decayed to leave a hollow centre. It is thought that the pollarding of this tree, like those at Bradgate Park, was carried out when Lady Jane Grey was beheaded.

The existing woodland, Change Spinney, has been unmanaged for many years. Thinning of the trees has now been carried out to allow more light and to benefit the existing bluebell population and encourage redstarts into the wood. Bat boxes have been installed and some standing dead trees left for woodpeckers and insects. 

The existing bridleway running diagonally across the site is part of the old cartway which ran from the mines at Desford to Anstey and known as Change Lane.

The line of a mediaeval park pale can be seen. This was an ancient boundary marked by a ridge, on top of which a fence was built.

Description of Facilities

No additional facilities available.

Woodland key

Horse Riding Facilities

Routes:
740 m of grass track with links to existing bridleways.

Permit:
No, the site has open, permissive access (closed one day per annum except for Public Rights of Way).

Bridleways:
Excellent links to nearby Ratby sites, including Peartree, Martinshaw etc.