Poppy Wood

Poppy Wood's permissive horse route is currently closed while we schedule important repair works. Thank you for your patience.

Visitor information

Two women Nordic walking with poles in the forest

Discover one of the best woodland walks in Derby

Planted in 2007, Poppy Wood forms the northern gateway to The National Forest, the Midland's most famous forest. This newly planted woodland houses a mosaic of ash, oak, hazel and hawthorn trees, to name a few. See if you can spot something different on each visit!

Surfaced and grassy trails guide you through the woodland which also includes picnic benches for you to make good use of the fantastic views across the surrounding countryside.

At a glance

Walking trails
Picnic area
Dogs welcome

Things to do

Picnics at Poppy Wood

Enjoy a tasty treat in the great outdoors at Poppy Wood. Just bring along good food and company!

There are picnic tables dotted around the woodland.

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

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Walking at Poppy Wood

Walking is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore some of the area's most beautiful landscapes.

Poppy Wood has a range of open access paths and trails for you to explore.

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Nearby forests

Robin Wood

Located on the outskirts of Derby, Robin Wood offers a range of open paths suitable for walkers and cyclists.

The woodland offers a beautiful display of bluebells in the spring and woodpeckers and deer can also be spotted!

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Hicks Lodge

In the heart of the National Forest, Hicks Lodge is a former coal mining site that has been totally transformed by new plantings and exciting trails for you to enjoy.

Find out more

Sun shining through trees with bracken and grass covered in dew

Seale Wood

Planted in 2002, this community woodland is the perfect spot for a family walk, a burst of exercise and even a picnic.

Seale Wood will become a working coppice woodland, with a goal to encourage the development of a local timber industry.

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Sence Valley

Located north-west of Leicester, come and discover Sence Valley’s fascinating history. Once part of a large coal mine that closed in 1996, we planted 98,000 trees in 1998, transforming Sence Valley into a haven for wildlife and visitors.

Find out more