Forest bathing at Sherrardspark Wood

Sherrardspark Wood is around 75 to 80 hectares of ancient woodland on the north-west side of Welwyn Garden City, made up mainly of sessile oak and hornbeam. It has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1986, and archaeological finds suggest people were living here some 4,000 years ago. A walk follows a disused branch railway, closed in the 1970s, out to the wood. Volunteers from the Sherrardspark Wood Wardens work in the wood two mornings a week.

Because it backs straight onto the town, it is one of the easiest ancient woods in Hertfordshire to reach without a car: the old railway walk starts from Welwyn Garden City station. There are several entrances, from Reddings, Pentley Park and Woodland Rise, and a small pay and display car park on the north side off Rectory Road. A network of waymarked paths crosses the wood, shared with horse riders and cyclists, so wander off the main lines to find the quieter stands of oak. Dogs are welcome.