Land we look after
Mike’s Wood
What was once an empty field, is now a native woodland which includes oak, alder, ash, birch, rowan, scots pine, hawthorn and juniper.
About Mike’s Wood
In 1993 we bought a field near Staveley and turned it into a native woodland called Mike’s Wood in appreciation of a former Friends of the Lake District Secretary, Mike Houston. At the same time local member Anne Beddard bought the field to the south. She worked in conjunction with us to create a new woodland, and later generously donated this to Friends of the Lake District (Beddard’s new and old woods).
Like all our land, the wood is Open Access. Within an easy walk of Staveley village, Mike’s Wood is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but the bluebells and wild daffodils in spring are definitely worth a look!
Our work here
What was once an empty field, is now a native woodland which includes oak, alder, ash, birch, rowan, scots pine, hawthorn and juniper. We have created a footpath through the wood, linking into other routes and to Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s woodland nearby.
The wood is now home to a variety of at least 36 species of birds, including the goldcrest, the UK’s smallest bird. You’ll also find red squirrels, pipistrelle and noctule bats, and tawny owls here along with over 70 species of lichen.
Visiting Mike’s Wood
Mike’s Wood is a mile from Staveley village and easily accessible on foot from the village centre. There are several access points – such as the one just off the track at what3words.com/bothered.overlaid.assess.
Parking and refreshments are available in Staveley which is served both a regular bus service and by the Kendal to Windermere train.
Mike’s Wood gallery
From this…
Tree planting at Mike’s Wood in 1994.
…to this
Mike’s Wood is now a thriving place for nature and people.
Home to old and new trees
Come and experience a bit of forest bathing in Mike’s Wood.
Related news & stories
Blogs, features and and news stories about our land.
