Dukes Wood Nature Reserve

WHAT IT’S LIKE

Free industrial-archaeology woodland trail with restored 'nodding donkey' oil pumps among bluebells and primroses, best April to July.

Dukes Wood is an 8-hectare mixed deciduous woodland that was once the site of the UK's first onshore oilfield, and several of the old 'nodding donkey' oil pumps have been restored and sit right alongside the Dukes Wood Trail, an industrial archaeological nature trail first opened in 1987, a nice bit of novelty for kids alongside the nature spotting. The wood itself is oak, hazel and ash with a good show of ground flora including primrose, bluebell and broadleaved helleborine, so April to July is the best time to visit for wildflowers. Entry is free and access to the reserve is open at all times, with parking available at the side of the road. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. There are no listed indoor facilities or café here, so it's a straightforward woodland walk rather than a full day out, good for a couple of hours exploring nature and a bit of local industrial history with children. The entrance is off the minor road to Eakring, which leaves the A617 near Kirklington, east of Mansfield. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Wildlife Site, home to species such as common frog, smooth newt, emperor moth and the purple and white-letter hairstreak butterflies.