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Mardyke Woods

(Average user rating5 unrated 5/5)
 

Amongst the oldest surviving woods in Essex, Mardyke Woods is actually composed of three - Brannett’s Wood, Millard’s Wood and Low Well Wood. All were probably well established when the Romans first arrived here in 54BC! These three historic woods have been officially designated Ancient Semi Natural Woodlands. They are natural and so far they’ve been allowed to grow and rejuvenate with minimal intervention. But soon we’ll be making the woods a better place for people and wildlife by introducing practices that stimulate growth, helping the woods to return to their former glory. There are two adjacent play areas. Also nearby is the Mardyke Way riverside walk which, when it opened in 2007, added another natural dimension. Mardyke Woods, an excellent mix of the old and the new that all ages can enjoy.

To download a map of Mardyke Woods please click here.

How to get there:

Mardyke Woods is in Thames Chase Community Forest.
Mardyke Woods are situated to the South of the junction of Stifford Road and Daiglen Drive in South Ockendon.
South Ockendon is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: TQ585 805
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info
Postcode RM15 6BD (for satnav purposes)

Other places to go in Thames Chase Community Forest

User Comments

5 Stars 5 Stars

A Great Place to visit!

Anonymous, 19/Mar/2010

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pike lane, 18th oct 07

Facilities and Activities

Other Facilities
Other Facilities

The Woodland is a wonderful place to walk your dog – please show your respect for this special area by cleaning up after your dog. Dog Waste, if wrapped in plastic, can be put into the dog bins in car parks, or with household waste.

Contact:

Thame Chase Ranger

What's of interest

Dating from 1339, Brannett’s Wood is the second oldest recorded Essex woodland and was then called Brendewode. Millard’s Garden is first mentioned shortly after in 1397 as Maynwaresgarden and Low Wells Wood is documented in 1619 as Hanginge Wood. Traces of medieval woodbanks dividing these woods can still be found today. All three were then part of the Belhus Park Estate and were probably coppiced and used to supply woodland products. By 1880 all had fallen into neglect, but now the Forestry Commission is reintroducing management practices that will restore the woods’ quality