Westhouse Wood

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Despite its small size this wood on the outskirts of Colchester contains a wide range of trees and shrubs. Hazel is the dominant coppice species, and small-leaved lime, crab apple and rowan are scattered among fine oak and ash standards, along with sweet chestnut, holly and field maple.

As a result of coppicing, bluebells and wood anemones carpet the wood in spring, and there are fine displays of foxgloves in areas that have recently been cleared. Work has also been carried out to keep three small ponds, occupied by newts and frogs, wet throughout the summer months.