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Wivenhoe Wood is a fine old coppice woodland on the east bank of the River Colne near Wivenhoe, alongside grassland and scrub that once belonged to Lower Lodge Farm and a section of tidal foreshore with saltmarsh.
It is likely that the sweet chestnut trees in the wood were planted by the Romans, who introduced the tree to this country from southern Europe as a source of rot-resistant timber ideal for fence posts and the like. Coppicing creates a diverse woodland rich in wildlife, and the grassland and scrub nearby adds further variety.
An area of saltmarsh to the west of the railway line can be reached via a level crossing. The saltmarsh is used by wading birds such as redshank and greenshank.
Visiting
Access via Rosabelle Avenue, a turning off The Avenue (B1028) north of Wivenhoe centre, or from the south via the sea wall path or public footpaths alongside the railway.
Wivenhoe station is a few minutes' walk from Wivenhoe Marsh and from the southern tip of Wivenhoe Wood. Regular buses run from Colchester to Wivenhoe.
Accessible at all times.
May/June for birdsong in the woods and scrub; July/August for insects along the woodland edge and in clearings, and around the marsh and foreshore
A surfaced path runs from the car park at the end of Rosabelle Avenue to the picnic site. The footpath west of the railway is surfaced also.
Leaflets available from Council offices or call 01206 853588.
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