Walking in woodlands, no matter the weather, is always a positive and uplifting experience for me.
Living in Nottinghamshire, we are incredibly lucky to have the famous Sherwood Forest right on our doorstep, but there are plenty of quieter, lesser-known woodland trails just waiting to be explored.
One of our absolute favourite spots is Calverton Woods. What makes this area so special isn’t just the diverse trails or the thriving wildlife, but the fact that just a few decades ago, this peaceful nature reserve was a bustling, industrial coal mine.
Whether you are looking for a frosty morning dog walk or a summer hike with varied terrain, here is everything you need to know about exploring Calverton.
Calverton Woods Need-to-Know:
Location:
Calverton is a village in the Gedling district of Nottinghamshire. The woods are easily accessible from the A614 or Oxton Road.
Parking:
There are several convenient lay-bys and small parking spots around the perimeter of the woods (particularly near Watchwood Plantation).
The Terrain:
A brilliant mix of woodland paths, open grassland, and wetland areas. There are steep sections if you head to the summit, so wear sturdy walking boots.
Dog Friendly:
Yes, it is a fantastic area for dogs, but be mindful of deep water in the wetland sections and areas fenced off for wildlife protection.
From Coal Mine to Nature Reserve
Historically, Calverton was a “forest village” situated within the Thorneywood Chase area of the great Sherwood Forest.
However, the landscape changed dramatically in 1952 with the opening of the Calverton colliery. In its prime, the mine employed around 750 men and produced a record 40,500 tons of coal a week.
When the mine closed in 1999, the area underwent an incredible transformation. Today, it is a large, thriving nature reserve.
As you walk the trails, it is genuinely hard to believe it was a heavy industrial site just over two decades ago.
That said, if you look closely, you can still spot old signage and subtle industrial intonations in the landscape.
I really respect that these remnants remain; it feels right to acknowledge the years of hard work spent here producing coal for the community.
Exploring the Trails
We often take a totally different route on every visit because there is such a vast network of intertwining trails.
If you visit in the summer, the climb up to the summit of the nature reserve is warm, but it rewards you with views that stretch for miles across the local industrial park and the surrounding countryside.
However, my personal favourite time to visit is during a crisp, frosty morning.
On our most recent trip, a heavy winter fog had rolled in. We packed some lunch, layered up with hats and scarves, and headed out with our older dog for a shorter circular route.
The mist weaving through the pine trees made the entire woodland feel incredibly mysterious and atmospheric.
The Hidden RAF Memorial in Watchwood Plantation
Because we love to explore off the beaten path, we recently haphazardly took a different trail up to the summit and stumbled upon something completely unexpected: a hidden war memorial.
Tucked away in the Watchwood Plantation section of the woods, the memorial is dedicated to the No.300 Masovian Squadron RAF.
On the night of October 13th, 1940, a Polish crew returning from a successful bombing mission in Boulogne was unable to land due to German bombers attacking their airfield.
Running out of fuel in the darkness and mist, they were forced to make an emergency landing here in Calverton. Tragically, the bomber burst into flames, and the crew perished.
The memorial quietly honours Flying Officer Jan Gebicki (Pilot), Sergeant Edward Morawa (Observer), and Sergeant Tadeusz Egierski (Gunner/Wireless Operator).
It is a poignant, sobering spot that adds a deep layer of history to the walk.
A Perfect Nottinghamshire Escape
Our recent frosty, foggy trip was a slightly shorter circular than normal to give our older dog a bit of a rest, but it reminded me why this area is such a favoured place for us to relax.
Woodlands are special places. They conjure up local legends of Robin Hood and offer a quiet connection to nature that brings an immediate sense of wellbeing.
If you are looking for a varied, historic, and peaceful walk away from the main tourist trails of Sherwood Forest, Calverton Woods is a magnificent choice.
