Shaw Forest Park
Shaw Forest Park is currently a 40-hectare community woodland approximately 3km north-west of the centre of Swindon. There is a small free car park on site, accessed via Mead Way at the Hillmead roundabout.
Originally Old Shaw Farm Landfill, it has slowly reforested over a number of years. It now boasts an array of habitats ranging from ash and willow woodlands to scrubland containing juniper and alder. Shaw Forest Park is wholly owned by Swindon Borough Council.
The council's Ranger Team manages the park with the help of the Volunteer Rangers and other interested groups including strong input from the Shaw Residents Association.
The park provides an exceptionally wide range of habitats including:
- hedgerows
- wildflower meadows
- woodlands
- grassland
- wetlands
- two ponds recently improved for amphibian species
These habitats are home to a correspondingly large variety of life, including:
- birds of prey
- several rare bird species
- wildfowl
- amphibians
- invertebrates
- large mammals including roe deer and foxes
- bats
Dogs are welcome!
Events
The Ranger Team organises a large number of fun and educational events. For full details see our Events Calendar