Rowney Wood
204ac/83ha
Grid ref: TL 568 344
Updated 31/12/2023.
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This large ancient wood was planted up with conifers in the 1950s but has now mostly been returned to native deciduous woodland. It is being coppiced regularly.
The wide rides are lined with wild flowers in summer, including ragged robin, red campion and bugle. It also has some wet, open areas with sedges and ferns.
It has purple emperor and white-letter hairstreak butterflies and many deer.
Visiting
Turn south off the B184 (Thaxted–Saffron Walden) west of Rowney Corner and park in the layby near Carver Barracks. SatNav: CB10 2YA.
Hourly buses Saffron Walden–Bishops Stortford serve Debden: 800m walk via Harcamlow Way.
Accessible at all times.
Spring through to early summer for wild flowers and early migrant birds.
A circular route made up with compacted gravel is usable by wheelchairs in all but the worst weather conditions.
Some of the tracks get very muddy during forestry work and parallel temporary footpaths are provided.