Hockley Woods

Hockley Woods provides no loos, no shops - just a tremendous number of ancient woods, stunning wild plants and wildlife that is local an old fashioned family ramble, with the additional bonus of an adventure playground with gear for 3 to 10 year olds to clamber about on! One thing for all! Addressing over 130 scenic hectares, Hockley Woods are now the greatest area that is remaining of old Wild Wood, which covered Essex immediately after the Ice Age 10,000 years back! Great bit of secret education there that may (or may well not!) interest the children. The woods by themselves are a mosaic that is complex of woods which can be ideal for rubbing bark samples on, therefore bring some thick crayons and paper! Oak and Sweet Chestnut grow regarding the greater ground; Birch on the most acid soils; Hornbeams all along the wet clays; plus willow, springy hazel and ash along the streams. Then it's an excellent spot to do some research of these preferred climes and exactly why they grow where they are doing - did someone say extra credit project? if you have a mind to! Most of the plants into the timber, including the service that is crazy, timber anemone, wood spurge and cow-wheat will only develop in the undisturbed soils of ancient woods so it's an extremely unique area for botany fans and an excellent starting point that curiosity about the uninitiated. A walk leaflet can be obtained from the Council Offices denoting 2 way that is cool walks therefore you have got an epic ramble without concern with getting lost! The Boundary Walk is 5km so great for those of you with longer legs or a little more get, or The Valley Walk is 1km but is extended to incorporate to the 2km Bridal Way Trail if moved as a circular.