History of Bourne Wood
Bourne Wood began as open heathland on the Greensand Ridge south of Farnham, a landscape of sandy soils and scattered trees rather than dense forest. In the early 20th century the Forestry Commission acquired the land and gradually transformed it into a commercial conifer plantation introducing firebreaks and formalising the name Bourne Wood in the 1950s; before that locals called it The Clumps. Later in the century as conservation priorities shifted, parts of the plantation were cleared to restore heathland habitats that now support species such as nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler.
Timeline of Key Events
- Pre 1800s – Heathland: The area existed mainly as open heath with scattered trees for centuries before modern forestry.
- Early 1900s – Forestry Commission Takeover: The land came under state forestry management shortly after the commission was founded in 1919.
- 1920s-1950s – Conifer Planting: Large-scale pine plantations were established for commercial timber production.
- 1950s – Renaming from ‘The Clumps’: The traditional local name was replaced with the formal name Bourne Wood as firebreaks and mapping standardised the site.
- 1970s-1990s – Conservation Shift: Forestry policy began favouring mixed habitats; some plantation areas were cleared to restore heathland.
- 1990s-Present – Wildlife Recovery: Species such as Nightjar, Woodlark, Dartford Warbler and Sand Lizard returned as heathland expanded.
- 1999 – Rise as a Film Location: Gladiator’s opening battle was filmed here, launching its role as a major UK filming site.
- 2000s-2020s – Continued Screen Use: Productions including Robin Hood, War Horse, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Napoleon and House of the Dragon used the site.
Visitor Information
Opening Times
- Open 24 Hours
Tickets & Pricing
- Does not require tickets and has no entry fees
Top Things To Do
- Walk the forest trails — Bourne Wood is known for its atmospheric pine and heathland scenery, perfect for peaceful walks and nature photography.
- Explore famous film locations — Used for Gladiator, Harry Potter, War Horse, Snow White and the Huntsman, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and more.
- Enjoy wildlife spotting — Look for deer, woodland birds, and heathland species in this quiet, protected forest.
- Photography in the clearings — The large open glades and dramatic tree lines make it a favourite for landscape photographers.
- Picnic in the woodland — Plenty of peaceful areas away from crowds.
- Walk to nearby Mother Ludlam’s Cave — A local folklore site just north of Bourne Wood, open 24 hours and easy to reach .
- Visit RSPB Farnham Heath — A nature reserve directly beside Bourne Wood with heathland trails and birdwatching opportunities .
- Explore Alice Holt Forest — A major nearby forest with walking trails, cycling routes, and family activities (9am opening) .
- Relax at Gostrey Meadow
Films Shot at Bourne Wood
- Avengers: Age of Ultron
- Captain America: The First Avenger
- Children of Men
- Dark Shadows
- The Descent: Part 2
- Gladiator
- The Golden Compass
- Inkheart
- Jack the Giant Slayer
- Napoleon
- The Old Guard
- Robin Hood
- Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
- Snow White and the Huntsman
- Thor: The Dark World
- War Horse
- Werwulf
- The Wolfman
- Wonder Woman