interesting places
Here are some random sample locations of interest in Essex. Also take a look at sites shown on our sites map, geology site map and brownfield site map, with the site account and locate site facility.
locate St Osyth Park
A privately owned deer park with ancient origins and a uniquely important wildlife site in Essex.
locate Hunts Hill, Belhus Woods Country Park
Old sand workings with sand exposures, flower rich areas, a small area of lichen heath, sparsely vegetated ground and lakes. Drought stressed oaks occur at several locations at the site. Access by car is via BWCP car park (which see), but footpaths are also close by.
locate Garnetts Wood
An important ancient woodland with Small-leaved Lime.
locate Jacksons Wood
Remnant ancient woodland close to M25 motorway, unmanaged.
locate Swaines Green
Area of four former agriculture fields unused since 1980s, now owned and managed as a nature reserve and Epping Forest buffer land by City of London Conservators and by Epping Town Council. Free public access.
locate Cockaynes pit
Brownfield (ex gravel pit) but with establishes woodland.
locate Bradwell-on-Sea Cockle Spit Reserve
An important area of shell shingle spits with an important invertebrate fauna.
locate Tiptree Heath
Best surviving heathland in Essex, an outlier of the 18th century Heath and a remnant of a much larger vast tract to be found in the 15th century. The heath has suffered from succession to scrub and woodland, but recent efforts have returned more areas to open heath.