Great Knott Wood is an ancient woodland, covering 34 hectares on the south west shore of Lake Windermere, just north of Newby Bridge. It has one of the highest densities of woodland cover anywhere in northern England, with oak, sycamore ash, alder, birch beech and larch—something for all tree lovers! In Spring and Summer the woodland floor is covered with beautiful flowering plants, including bluebell, wood sorrel, wood anemone, lords and ladies and honeysuckle.

For three hundred years Great Knott Wood was managed to produce oak-bark for the tanning trade and charcoal for iron-smelting. Pitsteads (circular levels a few metres across where charcoal burners built their kilns), can be seen throughout the woods. The rise of the Lancashire cotton trade also brought a huge demand for wooden bobbins, supplied by the Bobbin Mill still standing at the foot of the hill, now a museum.

This important ancient woodland needs looking after, using pony snigging, where horses are used to clear unwanted logs from site - usually non native trees. Supporting this traditional woodland craft helps to maintain local heritage skills, and is a great activity for visitors to watch in the woods! The Woodland Trust is also looking to provide seating for visitors and information about the history of the area. With circular walks, and links to public footpath routes, the wood is a great place for visitors to explore.

Businesses Supporting this Theme

Kendal Caravans
The Whitewater Hotel