Forest bathing at Ryton Wood

Ryton Wood is an 85-hectare Warwickshire Wildlife Trust reserve south of Ryton-on-Dunsmore, near Coventry, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is semi-natural ancient woodland, mostly oak, with around 40 species of tree and shrub; old coppiced small-leaved lime stools suggest the site has been wooded for a very long time, and large ditches mark medieval boundaries. In spring its large glades are full of bluebells, primroses and wood anemones, and in summer it is one of the county's best sites for butterflies.

The wood's own car park is now closed to visitors, so the practical way in is from Ryton Pools Country Park next door, where the Trust's Figure of Eight walk starts at the entrance gate. The country park has paid parking, a café and toilets, and surfaced paths. Inside the wood the paths are grass and mud, relatively flat but often very muddy, so boots are the sensible choice. Stick to the waymarked routes, as it is easy to lose your bearings. Dogs must be on a lead.