[1] Commenting on the wood's character, A. Simco said in 1984 that "It has been strongly influenced by the geology and topography of the area, particularly by the south-west/north-east boulder clay ridge along which the parish boundary runs.

[5] Before the construction of Stagsden Golf Course, which lies directly to the west of the wood, trial excavations uncovered several features that were evidence of a late Iron Age and Romano-British settlement: a ditch-surrounded enclosure was found, along with pits, gullies, a possible hearth, pottery and an animal burial.

[6][7] Cropmarks showing two rectilinear enclosures north-east of Hanger Wood and adjacent to the parish boundary with Kempston Rural could also be seen; these probably had similar Iron Age or Romano-British origin.

[1] Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana) and spindle (Euonymus europaeus) are largely restricted to the margins of the wood, whilst blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) can be found forming dense thickets.

[1] The ground flora is dominated by bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and dog's mercury (Mercurialis perennis), whilst in drier areas bramble (Rubus fruticosus) can be found.