Chigwell Row Wood Local Nature Reserve

Size: 15.6 Hectares

Owners:  The Chigwell Row Recreation Ground Charity (Reg: 301277 - EFDC are the trustees)

Grid Reference: TQ 46302 92981

LNR Declaration: 17 August 2000

Access: There is free open public access over the reserve for pedestrians. There is just the one formal hardened pathway which runs through the wood, the rest are woodland tracks. Car parking is provided on Lodge Close.

Site description: Chigwell Row Wood Local Nature Reserve is a very special place. As an area of ancient woodland it contains a variety of habitats, but is especially important  for its small heathland and over 350 veteran pollards. 

To date over 800 species of invertebrates have been recorded including many uncommon flies and beetles that require dead wood habitats provided by the old trees. The site was declared a Local Nature Reserve by Epping Forest District Council in 2000.

To help you enjoy your visit to the nature reserve we have produced a leaflet for the wood (pdf format 1.11mb) showing points of interest and giving some information about its management and history. For pictures of the wood visit Favouritetrees.com

History of Chigwell Row Wood. The wood is a remnant of Hainualt Forest and its history can be traced back well into the 17th Century. For many centuries the trees were "worked" for fuel giving us the numerous pollards.

Biological Surveys. Since 2000 Chigwell Row Wood has been the subject of a number of biological surveys undertaken by local experts. This has really helped to increase our knowledge and understanding of the wood and has helped to guide our management.

Management of the Reserve. The majority of the work undertaken on the reserve is undertaken by Countrycare staff and volunteers with contractors only used for the specialist tree works to the veteran pollards. Examples, of the project work includes the heathland restoration project.

For more information about how to help out see the walks, talks, events and volunteering pages.

Further Information

• Hainault Forest website
• Images of Chigwell Row Wood 
• Biological Surveys of Chigwell Row Wood
• History of Chigwell Row Wood
• Restoration of Chigwell Row Woods heathland

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