There has been a woodland on the site of Bourne Wood  since at least 1086, when Bourne Wood wasrecorded on the Doomsday Book. The Forestry Commission now encourage a natural re-generation of trees. Sometimes planting is done . The woodland remains an area for wildlife and for the people of Bourne for recreation.

The woodlands are owned by the Forestry Commission and managed by their executive agency, Forest Enterprise. Whilst in the past with objectives for the woodlands were mainly connected to timber production. However timber is now a by-product of the Ancient Woodland Restoration Project . Now the objectives for the woodland are to do with public access and community involvement. Health, education, recreation and conservation are all now big priorities.