Where Northamptonshire
How to get there On the A428 between New Duston and Harlestone
(Map Reference SP 721 646)
Map Map
Official site  Harlestone Firs
What you can see there
Common species
Purple Hairstreak
Red Admiral
Small Copper
Small Heath

Harlestone Firs is a 300 acres woodland and heath that lies to the west of Northampton on the A428
between New Duston and Harlestone (Map Reference SP 721 646).
The land is open access and is owned by the Althorp Estate and is very popular with walkers, cyclists, horse riders and nature lovers.
The entrance to the firs lies on the A428 opposite the Wyevale Garden Centre.
The main drive leads to a saw mill but around this is the managed woodland with many trails.
At the back of the firs, towards the railway line, is the Harlestone Heath nature reserve managed by The Wildlife Trust.
It was left as a firebreak consisting of acid heathland, which is rare for Northamptonshire, and a range of acid grassland plants such as gorse and broom can be found. Beyond the reserve is a stream and a golf course.