Alan West

Looking down a path at Gamston wood covered in pristine snow

Alan West

Eaton & Gamston Woods

Two woods of mixed ancient woodland

Location

Causeway Lane

Retford

Nottinghamshire

DN22 0RB

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Know before you go

Size

65 hectares

Entry fee

Free access

Parking information

There is a small car parking space at the entrance to the reserve, otherwise cars should be parked with care on the main road. Please keep cars off the roadside verges as these are rich in flower species and part of the SSSI

Access

The entrance is midway on the minor road from Eaton to Upton (near Retford). Eaton Wood is on the north side of the minor road opposite Gamston Wood on the south side.

The reserve is readily accessible with several footpaths in both woods. Visitors are asked to remain on the footpaths.

Access to the reserve is open at all times. Visitors are encouraged to keep to the tracks so to avoid disturbing wildlife. Contact the Trust for more information.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to July

About the reserve

Ash, oak and birch are the predominant trees in this mixed ancient woodland, together with silver birch, field maple and overgrown hazel coppice. The woods are important for their ground flora with many species present including primrose, bluebell, wood anemone and wood avens. At least 24 species of butterfly have been recorded.