Crowsheath Wood
20ac/8ha
Grid ref: TQ 724 965
Updated 31/12/2023.
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An ancient coppice woodland, with three acres of adjoining open land. The many mature standard oak trees are an impressive feature of the wood. The coppice trees are mainly hornbeam, with a little ash, midland hawthorn, field maple and wild service.
Much of the western part of the wood has been coppiced in recent years, and some broadleaved trees have been replanted. Coppicing is continuing to enhance wildlife interest.
Flowers include bluebell, wood anemone, primrose, pignut and ragged robin. Lesser spearwort grows in the ponds near the centre.
Most of the bird species typical of lowland broadleaved woodland are present, and in summer you can expect to see several species of warbler, including sedge warbler, woodpeckers and nuthatch.
Visiting
The reserve is less than 800m south of Hanningfield Reservoir. Access is from Crowsheath Lane, which runs south from the road causeway across the reservoir towards Downham.
Buses from Ramsden Heath to Wickford via Downham stop at the southern end of the lane.
Accessible at all times.
Spring for flowers and visiting birds; autumn for a good selection of fungi.
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