Forest bathing at Bernwood Forest

Bernwood Forest is the name Forestry England uses for Shabbington and Waterperry Woods, on the edge of Oxford between Stanton St John and Oakley. They are what remains of the Royal Hunting Forest of Bernwood, which had royal protection for more than seven hundred years. Today the wood is best known for its butterflies: around forty species have been recorded, making it one of the most important butterfly habitats in Britain.

The informal car park takes about thirty cars and is free, with a height barrier. From there a waymarked butterfly trail leads through the wood; it is at its best on a warm, still summer day when the butterflies are flying. Part of the long-distance Bernwood Jubilee Way also passes through. There are no toilets or other facilities, which keeps it quiet, and it is open around the clock all year.