Little Haven
104ac/42ha
Grid ref: TQ 811 889
Updated 31/12/2023.
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This nature reserve surrounding Little Haven children's hospice comprises 14 meadows, a network of fine old hedgerows and two woods.
Wyburns Wood contains a wide range of trees and plants, implying ancient origins. It is very damp in places and here it supports an unusual type of woodland known as plateau alder, which has a ground flora of male fern and pendulous sedge.
Starvelarks Wood is mainly sweet chestnut and is probably a 19th-century plantation.
The meadows are cut for hay and grazed, and in summer support many butterflies, including marbled whites.
Visiting
Turn south off the A127 at Rayleigh Weir on to Rayleigh Road (A129) and turn left on to Daws Heath Road at the Woodmans Arms PH. SatNav: SS7 2LH.
Hourly bus service exc. Sundays serves Daws Heath Road. More frequent services run along Rayleigh Road and pass Woodmans Arms (400m to west via Daws Heath Road).
Accessible at all times
April to June for spring flowers and woodland birdsong.
Wheelchair access gate opposite Ann's Mini-Market
Please keep dogs on leads when livestock is present.
To minimise disturbance to wildlife, please keep to the designated paths.
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