SCENIC Westwood Woodland Park, 180 acres of woodland and grassland, lies between the medieval remains of Netley Abbey and Weston Shore, a Site Of Special Scientific Interest for wading birds which is managed for nature conservation.
Westwood has a network of well–surfaced paths which are passable in all but the wettest weather and there are two waymarked trails, lots of benches and a picnic site.
The park has an interesting history and Westwood was formerly part of the huge estate in the ownership of the Cistercian monastery of Netley Abbey, which was founded in 1239. The wood is linked to the monastery by the remains of ancient ditches and banks which are thought to be conduits for carrying water from a reservoir to the wells, fishponds and even toilets of the Abbey. There are four ditches in total in the woods and one of them is a scheduled ancient monument.
Open all year round. No charge to visit.