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Hi,

So I’ve heard that Wood Whites are now in good numbers at Oaken Wood. I’ve never seen one before and so that also means I’ve never been there before… and it’s a fairly long trip so I’d much rather be well prepared.

Can anyone advise me on the way things are done with Wood Whites there? Does one just wander in from the car park and expect to find one anywhere, or are there specific hot spots? Is there a specific car park to go to? And is Oaken Wood the same as ‘Botany Bay’ and ‘Chiddingfold Forest’ as these are also places I’ve heard of.

Many thanks!

Hi Zayed,

Chiddingfold Forest is the general area, with Botany Bay and Oaken Wood parts of the complex. There are no car parks as such, but there are parking areas by the road at both locations. When the Wood White is flying, a walk from one to the other and back in sunny weather should ensure that you see some of the species. They fly low down over the verges of the various rides, and though they they move at about brisk walking pace, they rarely stop!

I saw a few ten days ago at grid ref SU98803371, which is nearer the Oaken Wood end: I imagine they will be in full flow by now.

Botany Bay is best approached from Chiddingfold village, with the entrance being at SU97683466. The Oaken Wood entrance is at SU99403371, along the road between the villages of Dunsfold and Plaistow.

Best of luck!

Cheers,

Dave

Thanks very much Dave!

My first Wood White was late 1960s in annoying circumstances. I was competing in a National Gliding Championships but made a tactical error. I couldn't stay airborne and had to land in a field at the edge of a wood (somewhere near Silverstone). I was not best pleased.

However, I was 'rewarded' by a Wood White patrolling at the edge of the wood and into some of the rides.

Jack