We did a circular walk today through Felley Wood in our neighbouring county of Nottinghamshire.
We managed to park easily on the roadside right next to the beginning of the footpath.
Apart from looking a really lovely wood, we quickly realised it was a popular spot with mountain bikers with slopes and makeshift jumps. Thankfully, it was a quiet day so we didn't see many bikers out. Bikers, walkers, and horse riders don't always mix.
There was a motorway nearby, and you could hear the traffic, but the wood provided a quiet haven to have a peaceful walk with a few different routes and trails to choose from.
There were a few oak trees with young acorns on them. The squirrels, deer, and birds will love them.
We didn't see many butterflies apart from the aptly named Speckled Wood. It is quite common here in wooded areas, especially with lots of bracken around. They do stay still long enough to take a photograph.
An interesting fact about the bracken is that if the young fronds are damaged by animals, they produce hydrogen cyanide, which poisons the offender. Even though the young fronds are used in soups in Japan, you shouldn't eat them as cooking won't eliminate all the hydrogen cyanide. It also contains carcinogens, which is linked to oesophageal and stomach cancer.Source
We didn't go too far as it was getting quite warm (for a change). It was a good first visit and somewhere to return to in the autumn.