Forest bathing at Haugh Woods

Haugh Woods is a 350-hectare mixed woodland a few miles east of Hereford, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is ancient woodland, managed by Forestry England, and best known for its butterflies and moths: over 600 species have been recorded, including the rare wood white butterfly and the drab looper moth, which live in the recently coppiced areas. That mix of open glades and older trees makes it a good wood for walking slowly and noticing small things.

Both waymarked trails start from the main car park. The north trail is about a mile and a half and the south trail about two miles, mostly on hard forest tracks with gentle slopes, so the going is easy in most weather. There are views out across the Herefordshire hills from parts of the route and a wildlife hide along the way. Come on a warm, sunny day from late spring into summer if you want to see butterflies; on a grey day the quieter side paths under the trees are pleasant in their own right.