Jacobs Wood & Swells Wood

In Autumn 2020 a small triangle of land off footpath 21 was donated to Lathom South Parish Council by Mr and Mrs Jacobs who once lived on Plough Lane. The Parish Council is extremely grateful to Mr and Mrs Jacobs for their generosity and so, with their agreement, the area was named “Jacobs Wood”.   Work began to clear some self-seeded trees and tackle the invasive weeds.  Some additional planting took place and the area was converted it into managed woodland, with public access.

Around the same time as being donated Jacobs Wood, LSPC was approached by Lancashire County Council with a proposal for the Parish Council to purchase a small area of woodland leading from Jacobs Wood (approx 11 acres in total).  Negotiations took longer than expected due to Covid but the purchase was finally completed in February 2022 using CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) funds.

The land is situated to the east of Plough Lane and includes a stretch of the disused railway line which Lancashire County Council may, at some time in the future, wish to reacquire if the proposed linear park becomes a reality. The area also includes Swells Wood which was roughly cleared and replanted by Lancashire County Council in 2013. The land purchased is now generally referred to as Swells Wood.

Jacobs Wood and Swells Wood have undergone some woodland management to remove dead trees to create a more thriving woodland environment.  The wood chip created from the removed trees was used to create a footpath through the woods.  Swells Wood is home to the native English Bluebell which we hope will continue to thrive in that area.   They create an amazing blanket of colour when in flower. Well worth a visit!

Several bird boxes including 2 owl boxes were installed using biodiversity grant funding in the spring of 2024.  Many birds can be heard (and seen) in the woods including the Treecreeper, Wren, Common Chiffcaff, Redstart, Blue Tit, Song Thrush, Great Tit, Robin, Dunnock, Blackcap and Blackbird.  Sometimes a Buzzard can be seen flying overhead and you may even be able to spot a deer or two making their way through the trees.

The Friends of Jacobs Wood (FoJW) group was established in 2024 and the first working party took place in May 2024 to start removing tree guards which were no longer required and to do some general tidying.   A Friends of Jacobs Wood Facebook page has been set up to share details of work parties and to share photographs of the wildlife.

Permissive access is given to the woods for walkers.

Cycling, horse riding and motor vehicles are not permitted.

Scan QR code to go to the Friends of Jacobs Wood Facebook page