Forest bathing at Oxleas Wood

Oxleas Wood, Jack Wood and Shepherdleas Wood together make up a Site of Special Scientific Interest of about 72 hectares on the slopes of Shooters Hill in south-east London. Parts of the woodland are thought to be at least 8,000 years old. Oak, silver birch, hornbeam and coppiced hazel are the main trees, and there are many fine wild service trees. The woods were part of the royal estate at Eltham from at least the 14th century, and in 1993 a long local campaign saw off a road scheme that would have cut through them.

The café in Oxleas Meadow, near the top of the hill, is the usual meeting point; the meadow faces south with views across to Kent. From there you can drop into the woods and find quieter paths quickly. The ground is hilly and gets steep towards the summit of Shooters Hill, and the main paths can be muddy and hard going in winter, so wear boots. In spring look for bluebells in Shepherdleas Wood. Castle Wood, with Severndroog Castle and its tea room, is close by, and the Green Chain Walk runs through.