Overview
Bramingham Wood is a broadleaved ancient woodland, 40 acres in size, situated on the northern outskirts of Luton. It is owned by the Woodland Trust and managed by a local conservation group, who maintain the coppice-with-standards regime at the northern end of the wood. There is a main ride through the centre of the wood, with more minor pathways around the perimeter. A casual walk takes approximately an hour.
Very much an urban wood, the effect of nearby housing is eased by a meadow that runs down the whole of the east side, a sports field adjacent to the top half of the western edge and a green corridor to the north, which provides access to open farmland.
As one would expect with an urban woodland, birdwatching visits are best in the early morning before it gets busy. However, there are rarely too many people except on warm spring days, when the wood is covered in a gorgeous bluebell haze, and on hot summer afternoons, when the shelter is very welcome.
Birds are typical of broadleaved woodland, with a few surprises showing up on occasions. Species counts average around 50 each year and the surprises have been regular Grey Wagtail, two reports of Kingfisher, female Teal, Pied Flycatcher. Brambling, Redpoll, Redstart and Whitethroat have also been recorded.
Tawny Owls breed, as do Sparrowhawks and the winter usually provides Woodcock. All three woodpeckers have been noted: the Green being a relative newcomer whilst the Lesser Spotted hasn‘t been recorded for some years. There is a good population of Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
The management of the wood is carried out by the Bramingham Wood Volunteers. The varying young growth provides good habitat for summer warblers and, while no Nightingale have been recorded as yet, we live in hope!
Access
Accessible from either end: Lygetun Drive (park near the Guide Hut) or Whitehorse Vale. A main ride runs through the wood with smaller paths around the perimeter. Footpath accessible from multiple entrances.
Parking
Birds
Other typical woodland birds.
