Fordham Heath

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This is a surviving remnant of ancient wet heathland, granted to Eight Ash Green Parish Council by Act of Parliament in 1965. It is managed by the parish council with assistance from the River Colne Countryside Project.

Until the 1940s the heath was dominated by heather and gorse and was grazed by commoners' cattle, but when grazing ceased it was invaded by trees such as oak, birch, blackthorn and aspen which dominate its wooded areas today. Large open areas still remain and are being cut regularly to encourage the regrowth of the original heathland species.

Many wild flowers including sneezewort occupy the rough grassland. The woodland in the northern section is being coppiced on a cycle of 12–15 years, which keeps the trees healthy and encourages a diversity of wildlife. Birds that breed here include whitethroat and nightingale.