At Broughton, paths lead you through extensive mixed woodlands, filled with fragrant wild garlic in the spring, followed by a carpet of with wild flowers in the summer months. Details of walks are available from your nearest Tourist Information Centre. There is a surfaced car park adjacent to West Wood, north of Broughton. Dogs must be under control. Cycles not allowed.
There are many native trees and some exotic species planted along the main rides. Many wild flowers are in evidence such as Dogs Mercury, Bluebell and Lily of the Valley. A variety of birds can also be found including woodpeckers, hawfinches and occasionally jays.
Walking Guide
Welcome to these extensive woods which are a major part of the main concentrations of mixed woodland in North Lincolnshire, most of them growing on limestone with a variable covering of blown sand.
Parts of the woods are thought to be ancient woodland sites but positive identification is difficult as generations of re-planting and management have taken place, particularly during the ownerships of past Earls of Yarborough. The family have always been enthusiastic foresters and many of the present specimen trees, including a number of exotic species, are the result of their plantings.
With the exception of the Scots Pine and the Yew, both common in the woods, all remaining conifers stem from introduced species.
Among the fine selection of native trees you will find a number of exotic species. These are usually along the main rides and were planted to beautify the woods.
Look out for the more unusual species such as the Spindle Tree, Buckthorn, Hornbeam and Sweet Chestnut. A good identification book will prove invaluable.
In Victorian times the Broughton Woodlands were famous for their wild flowers. Species change as the woods develop and such rarities as Bloody Cranesbill, Lady's Mantle, Jacobs Ladder, Gromwell and at least eight species of orchids are now much rarer or in some cases extinct.
One of the areas specialities is the Lily of the Valley which is still abundant in many areas except where the hardwoods have been replaced by conifers.
On a walk in late spring, you will be sure to see masses of Dogs Mercury, Wood Anemone, Primrose, Wood Forget-Me-Not and Wood Avens. many areas have fine shows of Wood Sorrel, Bluebell, Yellow Pimpernel, Foxglove, Red Campion and ferns.
Rhododendrons add a vivid splash of colour but are not so common as in the neighbouring Twigmoor Woods.
Some of the better flower areas are often in the vicinity of well grown Ash trees. Remember to walk slowly when searching, as many species can be well hidden by the surrounding vegetation. You will be surprised how many you will find once you have discovered the first one!
Other 'special' finds include the yellow Rock Rose, a very scarce local flower found in the sunny, more open parts of the wood. Also in these places look for a low growing yellow flowered plant very similar to the common Burgloss. This is Amsinkia, a North American species that arrived in the area about 25 years ago and is now colonising. As with the trees a good field guide will greatly add to your pleasure.
There are many birds in the woods but please remember that the majority are shy species that see or hear you well before you see them. A knowledge of calls and song is a very great asset in woodlands. A patient wait will always produce better results than tramping along the rides. As with the flowers there are a number of 'special' species such as all three Woodpeckers, Hawfinch, Crossbill and Long Eared Owl. In some years you may be lucky and hear the Nightjar or even the Nightingale, both of which have bred at times.
The distinctive alarm note of the Jay can be heard throughout the woods but you will be very lucky to obtain a clear sighting of this very shy bird.
A feature of the winter bird life is the large mixed flocks of food hunting small birds. These flocks often include Blue, Great, Coal and Long Tailed Tits, Goldcrests, Tree Creepers and sometimes the odd wintering Blackcap or Chiff Chaff.
Woodcock breed in some numbers and can be seen and heard as they fly over their breeding territories in the late evenings and early mornings.
Red Squirrels were in the woods 25 years ago but now are gone, their place filled by the less attractive Grey Squirrel. These were originally introduced from North America and are now well established in most parts of the country. If populations are allowed to increase they can do much harm to growing trees and the eggs and young of many birds.
Other Information
The Woods contain a great deal of combustible material, so take great care with matches, etc. The Woods may be closed during very dry periods.
No camping and fires are allowed.
Please make sure no litter is dropped.
All dogs must be under control and be kept to the rides.
Never pick or up-root any wild plants and please keep all disturbances to a minimum.
Areas may be closed to the public during forestry operations.
How to get here
Visitors using the M180 should turn off North at Junction 4 to the nearby A18 roundabout. Broughton is only one mile north from here. Visitors from the north and the Humber area will find that Ermine Street provides easy access.
Please remember the River Ancholme can only be crossed by car at South Ferriby and Brigg.
Vehicles are parked at the owners' risk and must not be driven beyond the car parks. Please park neatly and lock your vehicle.
For more information on places to visit and where to stay in North Lincolnshire go to the Visit North Lincolnshire website.