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Parndon Wood Nature Reserve

About Parndon Wood

 

Set on the southern outskirts of Harlow, Parndon Wood has been recorded as a woodland for at least 900 years and therefore can be termed as “ancient woodland”. The site was bought by Harlow Council in 1968 to be turned into a Local Nature Reserve and in 1974, the reserve was also designated a Special Site for Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its flora and value as an educational resource.

 

 

                  parndon

 

 

 

The wood is composed of a canopy of oak tree standards with hornbeam trees growing beneath. These have traditionally been coppiced (cut down to the base and allowed to grow up again) every 10-15 years to make use of the timber. This practise is still carried out, though more to keep a diversity of habitats within the woodland and increase the number of species to be found.
 
The reserve is also a haven for flora, fungi, birds, minibeasts, small mammals and deer and is a beautiful and peaceful place to wander whether on your own, with family of with friends and visitors are more than welcome! You can follow our guided trail or with points of interest and things to look out for or just enjoy the surroundings. There are observation hides to sit quietly and watch for deer or birds setting down by the ponds.

 

 

 

             butterfly       fox

 

 

 

What is there to do?

 

 

  • Follow the trail, or explore the many tracks and paths.  There's a 1.5km woodland trail with associated guide and map highlighting the many features of the wood.

  • In the Conservation Centre, learn from the displays about growing and using wood.

  • Watch and even join in on conservation task days throughout the year.

  • Come to some of the many events held throughout the year.

  • See Parndon Wood - Contact Details for contact details and location map.

 

 

What is there for children?

 

  • Parndon Wood is a place where children can explore, build camps, hunt for bugs and much more!

  • There are a childrens versions of the woodland trail and easy-access path, a trail quiz, and seasonal spotter sheets.

  • The wood and Conservation Centre are very popular for birthday parties and there are lots of holiday activities.

 

For more information on childrens activities follow this link Forest Funtasia

 

 

 

               owl man       may day

 

 

To view some of the activities that have taken place in Parndon Wood throughout 2009 follow this link:

 

Parndon Wood Review 2009

Parndon Wood Review 2008

 

 

To view the new woodland trail leaflet follow this link:

 

Parndon Wood Trail/

Hospital & Risdens Wood Waymarked Trail front page/

Hospital & Risdens Wood Waymarked Trail back page/