Bagworth Centenary Wood and Royal Tigers Wood
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This woodland is managed by The Woodland Trust. It lies within the National Forest, where woodlands are being managed to provide places for quiet, informal recreation and to retain and enhance important wildlife habitats and landscape features. Centenary and Royal Tigers Wood, purchased by the Woodland Trust in 1993, covers 33 hectares and occupies a prominent hillside position near Bagworth. Hedgerows, a stream and several mature trees add diversity to the site, which was in arable crop production prior to tree planting.
The surrounding countryside has a history of mining and the nearby Desford Colliery (Walk 3603), which has been largely restored to rolling hills and parkland, can be seen to the east. These woods are designed to complement that work. Together they form an extensive area of community woodland.
Areas of open grassland have been left unplanted. These areas along with the paths are regularly cut for hay in late summer to encourage a rich mixture of wild grasses and field flowers to develop. This woodland is also a living memorial to The Royal Leicestershire Regiment (17th Foot) 1688 - 1964. Their history as a fighting regiment goes back as far as 1690, when they fought the French in Flanders. In recognition of The Royal Tigers, a memorial stone and at Waymark 6 a small arboretum, have been incorporated into the woodland. Nearly twenty plaques have now been erected which identify the tree, the country of origin and the battle honours won in that country. The southern part of the site has been named after the regiment. The Centenary part of the woodland's name marks the 100 years of the Bagworth Parish Council. Between 1994 and 1996, 28,000 trees were planted, all being native species such as oak, ash and field-maple, with a variety of shrubs including hazel and hawthorn. Smaller trees and shrub types have been planted, mainly on the woodland edges. The trees are planted close together to stimulate the fast growth of straight trees. They will be thinned out after about 15 years. The trees have been planted in wavy rather than straight lines to blend in with the natural contours of the land.
England - Central England - Leicestershire - Woodland or Forest
Features
Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Lake/Loch, Mostly Flat, Wildlife, Woodland
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