Philipshill is an ancient woodland, with a great diversity of species. These include white helleborine and birds-nest orchids as well as tawny owls. The tree species today are mostly beech, oak and various conifer species. There is a beautiful display of bluebells from late April to mid May.
There are no old trees as the wood has been felled and replanted many times in its history, such as during the Second World War when much of the timber was used for rifle butts. However the wood has plentiful archaeology, including saw pits, earthworks and charcoal burning earths. The eastern edge of the wood is believed to mark the historic boundary between the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex and the hedgerows within the wood are estimated to be around 900 years old.
The Woodland Trust acquired the site in 1994 but management of Philipshill Wood began in the 1960s. The site is currently undergoing restoration by the Woodland Trust and timber has been extracted sensitively using horses so that the flora and fauna are not disturbed by vehicles. Some of the timber has been converted into woodchip to supply a woodchip boiler at Shortenhills Environmental Centre nearby.
Philipshill Wood is open to the public and welcomes volunteers who would like to help with its upkeep.
Small car park. 1 mile walk from Chorleywood station along Old Shire Lane
very limited access
near Chalfont St Giles