About the reserve

Watts Wood was carefully planned and planted by the Watts family and friends over a period of 20 years. Between 1991 and 2000, 3,200 trees were planted including some interesting species to create a site more like an arboretum than a native woodland. The trees were chosen for their benefit to wildlife and to provide colour and pleasure to walkers.

Species and varieties planted include alder, ash, beech, birch, wild cherry, sweet chestnut, small-leaved lime, oak and field maple along with the more unusual holm oak, willow-leaved pear, black poplar, wellingtonia and many others. As well as the trees, great care has been given to the introduction of wildflowers, the creation of a pond and maintenance of the large hedges that surround the site. Open glades and rides consist of species-rich grasslands with common knapweed, field scabious, wild carrot, agrimony and common fleabane. The wood and surrounding habitats attract a variety of wildlife. Birds include blackbird, house sparrow, greenfinch, blackcap, chiffchaff and whitethroat. 23 species of butterfly, 66 species of moth and 12 species of dragonfly have been recorded.

Ashing Lane nature reserve

Watts Wood is part of the wider Ashing Lane nature reserve which includes Pickering’s Meadow nature reserve and the community woodlands planted and managed by the Nettleham Woodland Trust and covers 80 acres.

Formerly arable land, Monks Wood was planted in 2009 and the Lincolnshire Cooperative Wood in 2012 where a small lake was excavated. Dogs can be walked in these woodlands but elsewhere are restricted to the public rights of way.  

More information about the woodlands can be found on the Nettleham Woodland Trust website. 

Nearest postcode LN2 3NN. Please note - postcodes are for the nearest registered address as we are unable to get postcodes for nature reserves.

Reserve map

Ashing Lane nature reserve map