Covering over 130 hectares, Hockley Woods are the largest remaining area of the wild wood, which covered Essex after the Ice Age 10,000 years ago.
The woods are a complex mosaic of different trees, each species growing where conditions are most favourable. Oak and sweet chestnut grow on the higher ground; birch on the most acidic soils; hornbeam on the wet clays; willow, hazel and ash along the streams.
Many of the plants in the wood, such as the wild service tree, wood anemone, wood spurge and cow-wheat will only grow on the undisturbed soils of ancient woods.
Hockley Woods have survived because they have been coppice managed as a valuable resource.
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Every effort is made to make sure that all the information is correct but we strongly recommend that you call Hockley Woods before you set off on your day out to confirm opening times and admission prices.
Please also note that the position on Google maps for Hockley Woods is a rough estimate using their postcode in the database and might be slightly out.
It may also be worth clicking the web link for Hockley Woods to see if there are any special events coming up or currently on.
Hockley Woods