The playing fields offer large
areas of open grassland, and a number of mature trees are dotted around the
grounds. Daffodils, crocus and bluebells provide colour in the spring,
especially in the adjacent Albans Wood, a small area of semi-ancient woodland
dating back to at least 1600, which is planted with mature beech and oak, and
supports a rich variety of wildlife. Muntjac deer, red fox and grey
squirrel can be seen in the wood, and birds include nuthatch, great spotted
woodpecker and tree creeper; chiffchaff and blackcap in the
spring. Pipistrelle and noctule bats can be spotted on the bat
walks.
Albans Wood is to the west
of the playing fields. It was declared a local Nature Reserve on 21 June
2006. If you would like to become a member of the Friends of
Woodside Playing Fields and get involved in erecting bat and bird
boxes, clean-up and planting days, please contact Community Services on 01923
278333.