Nightingale Wood

Visitor information

Discover this unique wildlife site in South Marston, near Swindon

Planted in the 1990s on an former agricultural site, Nightingale Wood is a community woodland that supports a large variety of wildlife, especially birds.

Make sure to bring your binoculars - you never know what you may spot! 

Choose from three easy access trails for a peaceful outdoor walk, pause for a picnic, and explore the play equipment, funded by the Great Western Community Forest project.

At a glance 

  • 3 walking trails 
  • Picnic area
  • Play area
  • Dogs welcome 

Things to do

Walking trails at Nightingale Wood

Choose from three waymarked trails at Nightingale Wood. Nightingale Walk is our shortest 1km tail, while the Heron Walk is our longest trail at 2.5 km. Nature spotters, don't miss the wildlife viewing area along the Kestrel Walk.

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Nearby forests

Children enjoying a birdwatching event

Webb's Wood

Just west of Swindon, Webb's Wood is home to a variety of habitats, making it ideal for bird watching and nature lovers. 

Explore the wide open areas with your four legged friend, or take some time for yourself within the peaceful broadleaved woodland. 

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Grass meadow with wildflowers

Somerford Common

Somerford Common is the perfect location for a peaceful countryside walk.

The woodland is important to an array of wildlife, particularly butterflies. 

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Drive through Savernake forest under tree canopy

Savernake Forest

Located south of Marlborough, Savernake Forest is rich in history and has lots to explore. It is a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) as well as a registered important historic park, making it the perfect forest for an exciting and educational day out. 

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Forest floor full of bluebells at West Woods

West Woods

Located south of Marlborough, West Woods is a beautiful ancient woodland site. 

The woodland becomes very popular in late spring due to the fantastic displays of bluebells which carpet the forest floor in certain areas.

There is a good network of walking trails including an easy access route for you to explore. Please help us protect the forest by only cycling on stone-surfaced forest roads and bridleways.

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