St Hilda's College
We are proud custodians of Radley Large Wood, a place rich in history and natural beauty. Our commitment to this woodland goes beyond preservation—we aim to enhance its biodiversity and ensure it thrives for future generations. To achieve this, we have developed a woodland management plan with Nicholson’s, approved by the Forestry Commission in February 2024, covering the next decade.
One of our key goals is to protect the historic charm of Radley Large Wood, which is deeply rooted in the local landscape and community. At the same time, we aim to improve the woodland’s overall health by enhancing existing trees and allowing new growth to flourish. The woodland is classified as Ancient and Semi-Natural, consisting mainly of oak, ash, birch, beech, lime, and aspen, with an understorey of hazel, holly, and sycamore. A healthy woodland involves a diverse range of tree ages and sizes, fostering resilience and enhancing the carbon cycle. By encouraging natural regeneration and introducing a wider variety of species, we are creating a biodiverse environment that supports a wide array of life.
The wood is accessible via Sugworth Lane
If taking public transport, you can take the 35 bus from the center of Oxford and alight at Sugworth Crescent. From there, it's a short walk along Sugworth Lane to the entrance.
https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/services/OXBC/35
A major challenge we face is ash dieback, a disease affecting ash trees across Europe. Rather than removing all ash trees, we focus on identifying those resistant to the disease, giving them a chance to survive. Dead trees may be left standing where safe or felled, as rotting wood provides valuable habitats for fungi and invertebrates. This is an important part of protecting threatened woodland species.
Coppicing, a traditional management practice, will continue where already established. We also aim to make Radley Large Wood economically self-sustaining by carefully managing coppicing and silviculture, generating modest returns to reinvest in conservation efforts.
Maintaining public access is important to us. We are committed to keeping rights of way clear and widening rides for everyone to enjoy the woodland. The wood is accessible via Sugworth Lane, and its internal ride network links most areas.
We will preserve the historic wood bank, possibly of medieval origin, allowing visitors to experience both the natural beauty and history of the site. Thinning and felling will be carried out thoughtfully to maintain woodland health, with improvements to drives and stacking areas to ensure minimal disruption.
Our vision balances respect for Radley Large Wood’s history with a commitment to a biodiverse, sustainable future. This will ensure the woodland remains a vibrant resource for nature and people alike, enjoyed for generations to come
A brief History of the wood
Ownership of the wood
- c1000 - 1538 Abgindon Abbey
- 1560 - 1795 Stonhouses
- 1795 - 1900 Bowyers
- 1900 - 2022 Dockar-Drysdales
- 2022 St Hilda's College
Significant events
1260: The Abbey of Abingdon appoints John Parker as Keeper of the deer park at Radley, establishing early control over the woodland and its resources.
c.1350 - The Abingdon Riots: Tensions erupt in the region, culminating in a large, disruptive protest:
A "great multitude" descends upon the Abingdon market, assaulting monks and their servants.
The crowd breaks into the Abbey’s deer park, taking game and timber, led by members of the Parker family and John Prest—all from Radley.
These disturbances signal the weakening influence of the Abbey, though it manages to reclaim control of the deer park, retaining rights until the dissolution in 1538.
1547: After the Abbey's dissolution, Radley Manor is assessed for sale. A survey notes: "There is one separate wood called Radley Parke containing by estimation 100 acres full of oaks of estimated age 200 years and further with underwood there of saplings ash and willow of diverse age."
Local uses of the oak
1671-1831 - Game Laws: Strict hunting restrictions are enacted, limiting hunting rights to those "of higher degree" (esquires and above). Lords of manors are given the authority to appoint gamekeepers with powers to seize weapons and goods of unauthorized hunters.
February 11, 1786 - A Notorious Poacher: As reported in Jackson’s Oxford Journal, poacher Daniel Day Stuart is tried at Newbury Assizes for assaulting the gamekeeper of Sir James Stonhouse’s manor. Fined £20 for poaching, he is imprisoned for three months upon failing to pay.
The Bowyer Family (1795-1900): The Bowyers hold Radley Large Wood primarily for its timber and as a game reserve. In 1815, financial troubles force the family to flee to Italy following a failed canal investment. Despite accumulating debts, the Bowyers retain ownership of the wood until 1889.
1889: Facing insurmountable debt, the Bowyers are compelled to sell their estate, with Radley Large Wood listed as Lot 5 in the High Court's sale order.
The Dockar-Drysdales (1900-2022):
1900: Josephine Dockar-Drysdale acquires most of the Bowyer land, including Radley Large Wood.
1930: Her son, William, lists the estate for sale, presenting a new vision for the woodland.
August 1938: Josephine’s grandson, Bill, opens Big Wood as a holiday camp for boys.
World War II: Big Wood transitions to a camp for evacuees, including notable resident David Buckle.
Post-War Era: Big Wood evolves into a family holiday camp, continuing its legacy as a cherished community retreat.
Big Wood holiday camp for boys
