Bassett Wood Greenway
Bassett Wood Greenway can be accessed from Copperfield Road, Lobelia Road, Spindlewood Close or Bassett Green.
It is situated in the northern part of Southampton, extending from Bluebell Road in a north westerly direction as far as Spindlewood Close, including the Daisy Dip recreation area. The Greenway covers an area of approximately 44½ acres and was at one time part of the grounds of the late 19th Century house named Bassett Wood.
The site centres around a stream rising in the northern part of the wood. This stream may be the ‘Smerebroc’, a ‘Brook of Slimy Mud’, mentioned in a Saxon Land Grant.
The area consists mainly of woodland to the west and amenity grassland at the eastern end of the site (Daisy Dip). The woodland is believed to be ‘ancient’ (ie. the site has been continuously wooded for at least 400 years). It contains Solomon’s seal, which is an ancient woodland indicator plant; although in a city environment the possibility that it has been planted cannot be ruled out. In spring, Solomon’s seal produces clusters of white bell-shaped flowers. By autumn, shiny blue-black berries can be seen. The leaves of the plant are often eaten by sawfly larvae.
Brimstone butterflies, the male of which is bright yellow, have been recorded along with green and greater spotted woodpeckers.
A rich area of alder and willow dominate the woodland alongside the stream. The shrub layer is dominated by sedges but opposite-leaved golden saxifrage, which produces small greenish flowers from March to July, also occurs. This plant is another ancient woodland indicator.
The site has some archaeological interest in respect that a Roman Road once crossed it. Various prehistoric, Roman, Neolithic, Bronze Age and Palaeolithic items have been found around Bassett Wood including coins and flint tools.
A linear footpath containing boardwalks and sleeper bridges works its way through the wood from the western end of Daisy dip to a cycle path linking Bassett Green Drive and Spindlewood Close.
