The beautiful and ancient Essex woodland perfect for a winter walk
Some areas of Essex have a vast and interesting history. Our county is home to the oldest city in England, and has some of the oldest woodlands in the country, too!
One such woodland is not just a few thousand years old - its predicted to be the largest area of the wild wood, and has been there for many millenia. 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.
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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.
For centuries, the woods served the local community as a resource for fuel and building material. The woods were divided amongst a number of owners and jealously guarded with high earth banks, which can still be seen today.
It also has a weird fun fact, as Southend Pier was constructed with timber from Hockley Woods! In addition to the area's amazing history, it is also a delightful place for a winter stroll.
There is a car park, and a large play area to entertain children. Located near Hockley's town centre, there are also lots of lovely places to explore and get a bite to eat once you have completed a long stroll in these ancient woods.