Forest bathing at Waresley and Gransden Woods

Waresley and Gransden Woods are two adjoining ancient oak and ash woods covering about 50 hectares near the village of Waresley, south-east of St Neots. This kind of woodland is found only in lowland England, and the site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Parts were planted with oak and sycamore in the early 20th century; today the Wildlife Trust coppices along the rides and thins the trees to let light in, and next door, Brownes' Piece is being planted to become new woodland.

Park in the Trust's car park on Waresley Road, not on Vicarage Road. There are no public rights of way inside the woods, so enter at the marked access points. The main rides are in good condition, with some slopes near the stream. In spring the ground is covered with bluebells, primroses, violets and oxlips, and the car park gets very full then, so go early or on a weekday. Waresley Wood closes on some winter Saturdays for shooting, while Gransden Wood and Brownes' Piece stay open. Dogs must be on a lead.