Pound Wood
55ac/22ha
Grid ref: TQ 816 888
Updated 31/12/2023.
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Pound Wood's complex geology gives it a great variation in woodland types. Sweet chestnut and birch occur on the plateaux and ridges, hornbeam and holly on the slopes, and hornbeam, ash, willow, aspen and hazel in the three stream valleys. In places there are many wild service trees. The oaks are mostly sessile, with pedunculate in the valleys.
There are fine early medieval woodbanks, several ponds and many dells. Bramble, bracken and bluebell dominate the woodland floor, with common cow-wheat, yellow archangel, wood spurge and figwort in the open areas.
Heath fritillaries are best seen in the open woodland under the power lines.
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 mini-roundabout. Or join the A129 from the A13 and turn right on to Daws Heath Road. Park on local streets with consideration for residents. SatNav: SS7 2UR.
Hourly bus service exc. Sundays serves Daws Heath Road. More frequent services run along Rayleigh Road and pass Woodmans Arms PH (400m to west via Daws Heath Road).
Accessible at all times.
April to June for spring flowers and woodland birdsong.
Please keep your dog under control.