The site consists of a mosaic of ancient woodland and older commercial plantations with streams and ponds and an extensive network of trails.
Parking
what species and habitats can you find?
A full range of Lincolnshire’s current woodland birds can be found here and it is a particular stronghold for marsh tit, nuthatch and great spotted woodpecker but former stars like lesser spotted woodpecker, nightingale and redstart are more difficult to see these days.
Autumn & Winter species
From September onwards as autumn progresses the small woodland birds flock up and become much easier to see. Bourne Woods are a stronghold for tawny owl and a long-term ringing programme means the owls here are amongst the best studied in the country. They are early breeders and set up their territories in September so now is a wonderful time to hear them interacting with their mates and competitors.
In many ways winter is the best season in the woods. Large mixed tit feeding flocks roam the woods. These flocks can be joined by goldcrests and treecreepers and its always worth stopping to check the members of a flock as you never know what birds may have joined up. In some years large flocks of siskins and redpolls can be found feeding on birch and alder seeds and woodcock can be frequent in severe weather. With all that food about sparrowhawks are often briefly seen as they dash after the tit flock stragglers.
Spring & Summer species
The spring dawn chorus is dominated by blackcap, chiffchaff and song thrush. drumming great spots and calling nuthatch seem to be everywhere. Breeding red kites and buzzards are overhead.
Summer is probably the quietest time of the year as dense foliage and abundant food means the numerous birds present are very difficult to see.
useful tip
For a great owl experience visit the woods in September and October in the late afternoon and hang around for an hour after sunset. If you are lucky, you will see the shadowy tawny owls as they fly around their territory hooting. You will definitely hear them!
facilities
There are no public services in the Woods themselves but the town of Bourne has a full range of shops, pubs accommodation and takeaway food.
getting here
Bourne Woods lies immediately west of the ancient town of Bourne and a large free car park reached down a lane into the woods can be easily accessed off the A151 West Road at TF075200. For those preferring to access on foot or by bike there is a bridleway access of West Road nearer to the town at TF082198 and a footpath off Beech Avenue at TF085203.
access
The public footpaths and bridleways are easy to walk on but please respect any advisory signs you see and don’t trespass off public rights of way on to farmland.
opening times
There are no time restrictions on access to Bourne Woods.
market town
Bourne
The delightful market town of Bourne sits on the eastern side of the South Kesteven district, bordering the Fens.
