Mortimores Wood
Mortimores Wood is an ancient woodland located just one mile from the centre of Chippenham, next to Westmead Open Space. This historic woodland offers a quiet escape, providing easy access to nature for local residents and visitors.
The woodland is owned by us at Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, but day-to-day management is carried out by the Mortimores Wood Volunteers, a dedicated group of local people who work to restore and maintain the woodland on a non-commercial basis.
What Makes This Place Special
Mortimores Wood has a recorded history extending back over 800 years, making it one of the oldest surviving woodlands in the area. This ancient heritage creates a unique habitat that supports wildlife you won’t find in newer planted areas – specialist plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife that need these mature conditions to survive.
The woodland holds important conservation status as both a designated County Wildlife Site and Local Nature Reserve, recognising its value for wildlife and the local community. The mix of old trees, varied ground cover, and established ecosystems creates a diverse range of habitats within this compact but important green space.
Woodland paths wind through different areas, offering visitors a chance to explore and discover the variety of wildlife and plant life that calls this ancient wood home.
Community Conservation
The Mortimores Wood Volunteers welcome new members and organise monthly conservation activities to maintain this special place. Their dedicated efforts have been recognised by the Chippenham Civic Society, who awarded them recognition for their management of this ancient woodland.
The work of these volunteers ensures that this 800-year-old woodland continues to be preserved for future generations to enjoy and explore.
Visting Guidelines
The woodland is open to the public, but we ask visitors to follow some simple guidelines to help preserve this natural environment:
- Take only photos, leave only footsteps – help keep the woodland as natural as possible
- No labels or plaques – the woodland doesn’t label individual trees, and visitors shouldn’t add their own signs, flowers, or memorials
- Respect the habitat – remember that this is a working conservation site where wildlife comes first
Location & Access
Mortimores Wood is located near Westmead Open Space in Chippenham, making it easily accessible for a woodland walk. You can reach it on foot or by bike.
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Get Involved
The Mortimores Wood Volunteers are always looking for new people to join their group. Whether you’re interested in practical woodland management, learning about ancient woodlands, or simply want to help maintain this important local resource, there are opportunities to get involved.
For more information about volunteering or to learn more about the woodland’s history and wildlife, visit the Mortimores Wood Volunteers website.
