A NEW FOREST OF WALTHAM.
27
to dream of a recreated Hainhault, possibly in connection with
a Government School of Forestry. The enthusiasm and
determined purpose of Mr. E. N. Buxton were needed to
"materialise" the dream and to bring the problem of the
re-afforestation of Hainhault within the sphere of practical
social politics.
The remnants of Hainhault, still in a more or less forestal
condition, included in Mr. Buxton's scheme, are five in number,
and are of very varying extent. The most important is
called "Lambourne Forest," which, as above mentioned, was
not enclosed, the manorial privileges remaining with Colonel
Lockwood, and the forest is still subject to common rights.
This block is about 188 acres in extent, and is a charming piece
of woodland, similar to parts of Epping Forest. It is most
valuable and interesting, inasmuch as it affords a picture of
what old Hainhault must have been in the days of its beauty
(Plates I. and III.). Adjoining this are three portions of the old
forest, comprising 14 acres of common, and two plots of enclosed
land, 52 acres and 22 acres respectively, much of which is still
well timbered. All these lands are contiguous, but the fifth
forestal section is far away towards Woodford Bridge, and is
known as Grange Hill Forest, about 80 acres. It is very pretty
woodland, part of the untouched old forest, and is therefore a
most desirable acquisition. But it constitutes a distinct feature
in the scheme, and will probably be under separate control, as
hinted below.
The cleared land includes 52 acres of the old forest, which was
set out under the Allotment Award as a Common for the parish
of Lambourne, but which has been for many years under culti-
vation. It lies on the slope of a hill, commanding extensive
views over the adjoining country. And lastly comes what is,
perhaps, the most remarkable item in Mr. Buxton's scheme. It
is a block of land known as Fox Burrows Farm, comprising no
less than 475 acres of arable land (Plate II.). This forms part
of the Crown assignments under the original Act of Enclosure,
and the Commissioners of His Majesty's Woods and Forests are
willing to sell the land at agricultural value, provided it is dedi-
cated to the public as an open space. It is high rolling ground,
rising in parts to 300 above O.D., and its hill-sides fall in gentle
overlapping lines. "From its higher ground the eye ranges