Oakley Park Woods
Location: Fleet
Website: Friends of Oakley Park
Grid Reference: SU 815514
Access: Five minutes walk from Fleet town centre with entrances on Kings Road, Albany Road and Burnside.
Terrain: Metalled and woodland paths criss-crossing a remnant area of semi-ancient woodland.
Facilities: Pond dipping platform, metalled paths and bridges.
The woodland in Oakley Park covers 1.25 hectares (3 acres) and is extremely diverse in its make up. Evidence can be found of heathland plants and shrubs, semi-ancient woodland, and remnants of a post World War II orchard. Situated within the woods is a pond, rich in aquatic wildlife complete with dipping platform, and the Brookly Stream that runs on as a main feeder to Fleet Pond SSSI.
The site is open and inviting and has links to the adjacent play area. Birds are always singing with butterflies and dragonflies being seen along the rides, and over the pond respectively, from May onwards. A wide range of plant and tree species can be found in the woodland ranging from ragged robin and bluebells, to tall pines and maturing oaks.
Hart Countryside Service manages the woodland in conjunction with The Friends of Oakley Park, a community group made up of local residents. Along with pathways being kept open and the site kept clean, conservation work has been underway for the last 4 years within the woodland. Glades have been restored and created. Small pockets of invasive species, such as cherry laurel and rhododendron, have been removed making the woodland a lot more open and airy. Restoration works have been undertaken on the pond through periodic dredging so ensuring its survival as a pond. Events have been organised with local after school activity groups for pond dipping with all nets and identification guides being provided by Hart Countryside Service. If you would like to know more attending one of these events please contact the service. Volunteer work parties are also organised and run throughout the conservation season (September to March) that you are always welcome to attend.
