The Old Park
135ac/55ha
Grid ref: TQ 620 906
Updated 31/12/2023.
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Hatch Farm separated the two parts of the original Thorndon Country Park. It was built as a 'model farm' in the 18th century to raise deer and cattle.
A large part of it has been acquired by the Woodland Trust as one of its Plant-a-Wood sites. Oak, ash, sweet chestnut and hornbeam have been planted in blocks and the remainder sown with grass and wildflower seed, to create a parkland atmosphere.
It also includes a small patch of (possibly ancient) woodland called The Rookery, which surrounds an attractive small pond.
Visiting
Access from Thorndon Park, nr Brentwood. SatNav: CM13 3RZ.
Brentwood railway station is about 2km (via Hartswood and Little Warley Common) from Thorndon North. Buses from Brentwood Town Centre run to Eagle Way, Warley.