Hodgemoor Wood, Protected forest in Buckinghamshire, England.
Hodgemoor Wood is a 102-hectare forest with broad-leaved trees growing on varied soil types including mottled clays, sands, and gravels. Multiple tracks and wide rides run through the woodland, making it easy to walk or cycle through the different parts.
Written records trace the woodland back to at least the 13th century, with ancient coppiced oak, beech, and hornbeam trees still present throughout. The forest structure reflects centuries of management practices combined with natural growth.
The woodland housed a refugee camp from 1946 to 1962 that sheltered hundreds of Polish soldiers and their families after World War II. This period shaped the area as a place of refuge and recovery during a difficult time in European history.
The main entry points are along Bottrells Lane, which provides access to the network of walking and cycling tracks. The broad paths make navigation straightforward and suitable for visitors of different abilities exploring the woodland.
The woodland supports around 700 species of fungi, ranking among the richest fungal habitats in the Buckinghamshire Chilterns. This exceptional diversity of fungi makes the area especially valuable for visitors interested in woodland ecology.
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