With spring in full force, flowers exploding into colour and the sun making ever-frequent appearances, more and more residents will be making their way outside to enjoy the improving weather.

Watford is blessed with a number of forests and woodlands nearby, available for visitors and residents alike.

With that in mind, here's seven great forests to enjoy near the town.

1. Whippendell Wood

Watford Observer: Whippendell Wood covers 165.3 acres of woodland.Whippendell Wood covers 165.3 acres of woodland. (Image: nickstone333 on Creative Commons)

Whippendell Wood is a 165.3 acre woodland that is owned and operated by Watford Borough Council.

The location has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1954.

Whippendell Wood has previously been used as a filming location for Star Wars, Holby City and Silent Witness.

2. Weston Wood

Watford Observer: Weston Wood has a 4.8 star rating on Google Reviews.Weston Wood has a 4.8 star rating on Google Reviews. (Image: Google Maps)

Weston Wood is a small woodland near Croxley Green that has a 4.8 star rating on Google Reviews.

One reviewer on Google, Tony McGonnall wrote: "This is a nice set of woods just between Croxley station and the canal.

"There are interesting nooks and crannies for dogs, and bins for waste.

"Easily accessible from the canal, the Moor and the village."

3. Merry Hill Wood

Watford Observer: Merry Hill Wood covers 76 hectares of forest.Merry Hill Wood covers 76 hectares of forest. (Image: satguru on Creative Commons)

Merry Hill Wood covers 76 hectares of forest near Bushey.

According to The Woodland Trust, the forest "contains a delightful mix of old trees, newly planted woodland and orchard, a stream and vast open meadows".

A 'cairn' is also present at the location, a mound of stones that has been built as a memorial or landmark.

4. Harebreaks Wood

Watford Observer: Harebreaks Wood is an ancient woodland that has been left unchanged since the 1600s.Harebreaks Wood is an ancient woodland that has been left unchanged since the 1600s. (Image: Dudley Miles on Creative Commons)

Harebreaks Wood is an ancient woodland that has been left untouched since the 1600s.

According to the woodland's website, the area is a remnant of the much larger Longspring and Leggatts Wood.

Livestock have been known to graze on the woodland, which was subject to a traditional method of woodland management known as coppicing.

5. Albans Wood

Watford Observer: Albans Wood covers 4.1 hectares.Albans Wood covers 4.1 hectares. (Image: Dudley Miles on Creative Commons)

Albans Wood covers 4.1 hectares and is owned and managed by Watford Borough Council.

The site is an ancient semi-natural woodland featuring oak, beech, horse chestnut and sweet chestnut trees.

Deer, bats and a variety of bird species are known to frequent the woodland.

6. Oxhey Woods

Watford Observer: Oxhey Woods is the largest local nature reserve in the Three Rivers district.Oxhey Woods is the largest local nature reserve in the Three Rivers district. (Image: stusmith_uk on Creative Commons)

Oxhey Woods is the largest local nature reserve in the Three Rivers District.

The woodland covers nearly 100 hectares and features 28 points of interest.

A circular sculpture trail is available to explore at the location.

7. Pond Wood

Watford Observer: Pond Wood is located near South Oxhey and Carpenders Park.Pond Wood is located near South Oxhey and Carpenders Park. (Image: Google Maps)

Pond Wood is a small woodland located near South Oxhey and Carpenders Park.

The location has a 3.5 star rating on Google reviews.

One reviewer 'P R' wrote: "Lots of trees and plants.

"Perfect for a walk in nature with family and or pets."