Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Wolves Wood
HadleighOpenSee opening timesAdventure through the ancient woodland pathways of Wolves Wood, through trees at every stage of growth.
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About
Wolves Wood is a woodland time capsule – it's one of seven ancient woodland areas which once covered East Anglia. The area's clay soils mean the soggy ground doesn’t drain quickly. That’s why ancient landowners decided not to develop here and left the woodlands to grow. Instead of chopping the trees down entirely, the villagers cut back the trees for firewood, in a process called ‘coppicing’. This means many of the trees have been growing since at least the 1600s.
Today, we manage the area so it's ideal for a variety of life. We use the same traditional methods of coppicing, and every year, we mow certain areas for butterflies and other insects. So, throughout the woodland, you’ll find plenty of different stages of growth. Over the past ten years, we’ve been working to reverse some of the old drainage systems, to keep the wood wetter for longer as it naturally would be. This way, we’ll help to protect the woodland and wildlife from the drying effects of climate change.
Lots of animals love the variety of the woods, so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! The thick leaf cover is home to many nesting birds, including Dunnocks, Blackcaps, and other warblers, while patches of wildflowers buzz with varied insects and butterflies.
At a glance
15 spaces. No space for coaches. No lighting in car park. No height restriction barrier. No overnight parking or camping. Bicycle rack available.
We don’t have any toilets here. The nearest public toilets are located in Hadleigh (6km away, by town centre car park).
We don’t have any baby changing facilities here. The nearest baby changing facilities are located in Hadleigh (6km away, by town centre car park).
This reserve is on a fast A-road without pavement. Nature trails may be uneven in places. Flat ground, but wet and muddy for most of the year. Two raised bridges over some wet ditches. No gates or stiles. Two raised bridges with handrails which may not be passable by all users.
This reserve is on a fast A-road without pavement. Nature trails may be uneven in places. Flat ground, but wet and muddy for most of the year. Two raised bridges over some wet ditches. No gates or stiles. Two raised bridges with handrails which may not be passable by all users.
We don’t have any toilets here. The nearest public toilets are located in Hadleigh (6km away, by town centre car park).
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Sorry, dogs are not permitted on the reserve, except assistance dogs, due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats here. Dogs die in hot cars, please don't leave your dog in the car when you visit us.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Wolves Wood
stourestuary@rspb.org.uk Wolves Wood, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 6BG 01206391153