Swithland Wood

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Swithland Wood, Leicestershire
Swithland Wood, Leicestershire
Stream running through Swithland Wood
Stream running through Swithland Wood
Bluebells in Swithland Wood
Bluebells in Swithland Wood


Swithland Wood is an area of public woodland on the edge of Charnwood Forest, in Leicestershire, just north of Bradgate Park and between the villages of Woodhouse Eaves and Swithland in Charnwood Forest. 137 acres (554,000 m²) of woodland were bought by the Rotary Club of Leicester in 1931, and donated to the people of the county. Both Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood are now administered by a charity, the trustees of which are nominated by the Leicester and Leicestershire councils and the National Trust.

The woods contain a flooded disused quarry (with an inscription on the side recording the Rotary Club's donation), and Swithland slate is a traditional local roofing material. The quarry is now used occasionally for scuba diving. The woods themselves are mixed, principally mature oak, ash, lime and holly.

The area is also popular in spring for its bluebells and other spring flowering bulbs which cover large areas of the woodland floor.

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