Thorndon Country Park and Hartswood,
| Published: 8th October 2006 11:40 |
Thorndon Country Park and Hartswood, linked with the treasures of lesser-known sites, provide a large area of countryside for you to enjoy. Walk in precious woods, historic parkland and timeless commons. Experience atmospheric places, charged with a sense of history and filled with the scent of wildflowers and the call of birds. Whether on foot, bicycle or horse-back you can enjoy the peace and wildlife of the Brentwood countryside.
WALK THROUGH THE WOODS
For non-stop action in the winter visit the conifer and beech trees of The Forest which serve as a feeding station for birds. Watch for the red flash of crossbills in the treetops and the orange splash of bramblings as they feed on seeds and nuts.
Indulge your senses with a stroll through Childerditch Field. See the display of butterflies across the medieval ridges and furrows. Hear the trilling of the skylark. Smell the fresh scent of water mint wafting from the marsh. In autumn you can taste the rich dark blackberries.
The Meek and the Mighty
It is easy to imagine times gone by as you wander through the Deer Park. It has changed little since the 1500s when the Lords Petre hunted deer across the turf and their servants collected firewood.
The trees are ancient and magnificent, supporting many other species, especially rare invertebrates.This is an important place - from the tiniest insect to the tallest oak - and it receives our special attention.
Recorded in 1598, Mill Wood has had time to develop an amazing variety of wildflowers. You will see old favourites, including the much loved bluebell and the smile-at-the-sun wood anemone.
A Historic Park
In the area surrounding Old Thorndon Hall, the 8th Lord Petre planned a vast garden. He was a gardening pioneer and even had hot houses growing exotic fruits such as pine- apples. In what is now the damp and shady Menagerie Plantation, he housed a miniature zoo which probably contained animals such as terrapins, hummingbirds and squirrels. Can you imagine it? We have taken the Walker Map of 1598 as our snapshot of history for planning the layout of the hedges on Old Thorndon Pastures.
Sylva’s Beauty
Away from the bustle of King George’s Park you will find tranquillity in Hartswood. Oak and sweet chestnut trees tower overhead and twisted hornbeams create unusual shapes. In spring imagine swimming through a sea of bluebells. Watch columns of marching wood ants, often carrying leaves bigger than they are.This ancient wood was once owned by John Evelyn who was inspired to write the first ever book on forestry, ‘Sylva’, in 1664.
Old Grasslands & new Woods
Although most is now woodland, until the end of the 19th century local commoners grazed their animals on Little Warley Common. You can get an impression of how the common would have looked where there are fewer trees and bracken growing beneath them.
In the wood off Warley Gap the statuesque beech trees create a cathedral-like atmosphere, their leaves casting a dappled green light on the woodland floor.
If you stand on the grassy common beside Childerditch Lane you have splendid views across the Thames Valley to Kent.
A working Woodland
Donkey Lane Plantation was planted with sweet chestnut trees over 150 years ago. Local woodsmen coppiced the trees every twenty years to provide wood and fencing materials. After re-coppicing in the 1980s we now have a very dense woodland.
To Visit
The Thorndon Countryside Centre, which is jointly owned and managed with the Essex Wildlife Trust, has a gift shop and display area. Light refreshments are available here, in the South Pavilion and in King George’s Park Cafe.
For visitors with walking difficulties, a four wheel battery-powered scooter is available through the Parkmobility scheme from Thorndon Countryside Centre and King George’s Park by pre-booking on the numbers given below. Registration with the Shopmobility scheme is required in advance.
Scooter booking:
King George’s: 01277 264690
Thorndon: 01277 232944
Shopmobility: 01277 219987
Both Brentwood Countryside Management Service and Essex Ranger Service co-ordinate school visits and projects, guided walks and volunteer tasks.
For more information please
telephone the Essex Ranger Service on
01277 211250 or Web Site: click here
or Telephone:-
Brentwood CMS: 01277 261111 x 503
Essex Wildlife Trust: 01277 232944 or
Opening Times
Park open: 8am until dusk (check entrance boards to find daily closing time).
Countryside Centre open:
Summer: 10am to 5pm.
Winter: 10am to dusk. Closed Monday. Open Bank Holidays. Open every day in school holidays.
How to find it
By Rail: Brentwood Station is about 3 miles from the Countryside Centre.
By Bus: No 151 - Brentwood Town Centre to Halfway House; No 73 - Brentwood Town Centre to East Warley.
Enquiries on Essex Traveline
Tel: 08457 000333.
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