NORSEY TRAIL

(N.B. The numbers below refer to those shown on the trail plan. Larger version of the plan)

To find the first location, start on the Main Ride by the Information Centre. Walk a few metres in the direction of the main gate and take the turning to the left. After a few minutes, the trail forks. A short distance along the right fork you will see two of the ponds on the left, referred to below (1). Now retrace your steps back to the fork and take the other path. This will take you past a bench, dedicated to “Tania”, and a pond on your right. Continue along the path and you will eventually see the ditch and bridge at waymark 2.

(1) PONDS There are three ponds in this northern section of the Wood which contain valuable communities of aquatic life. The pale pink flowers of the water violet (Hottonia palustris) can be seen covering the surface in early June, along with bog-bean (Menyanthes trifoliata) and skullcap (Scutellaria) around the margins. Look out for damsel and dragonflies (Odonata) with their whirring transparent wings and brightly coloured bodies.

(2) TRENCHES The network of trenches, dating from the First (1914-18) and Second
(1939-45) World Wars, stretches from the north to the south of the eastern part of the Wood. They were dug by the London Defence Volunteers who used this long section of the medieval wood bank as part of the London defence line. During the Second War World, the Wood was also used for army manoeuvres and storage. Look out for smooth (Triturus vulgaris) and palmate (T. helveticus) newts, which can often be seen floating in the flooded ditch next to the first bridge during Spring time.

(3) HAZEL PLANTATION This area was planted to increase the amount of hazel in the Wood after the 1987 storm. Clusters of brown nuts in Autumn help to identify this tree, along with the distinctive long yellow male catkins, which shed their pollen in February. Heather has also developed on this site, where light has been able to reach the woodland floor. The hazel is coppiced on rotation to produce a crop of rods and also to encourage the heather to spread. The coppice rods can be used to make walking sticks, fishing rods and wattle hurdles.

(4) SWEET CHESTNUT TREES This species of tree was introduced into Britain by the Romans. It is quick growing on well-drained gravel. Most of the trees in the Wood were planted in during the early 1800’s, but some of the old coppice stools you can see are several hundred years old. This tree responds well to coppicing, producing a crop of poles suitable for making such things as fence posts. Sweet Chestnut is well-known for its nuts in October, which are eaten by many creatures, including humans.

(5) MAIN RIDE This ride may well have its origins in the Iron Age, when it would have been used for transporting timber. In certain areas the ride is now kept clear of overhanging branches, so that light can reach the verges. This encourages wild flowers like garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) and red campion (Silene dioica).

(6) VALLEYS The wet valley system provides ideal conditions for Sphagnum moss, ferns (Filicopsida) and pendulous sedge (Carex pendula). Alder (Alnus glutinosa), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and willow (Salix) dominate this area and provide a valuable habitat for unusual wildlife, particularly in a dry flat county like Essex. The valley area gives us a picture of a part of the wood that has not been heavily managed in the past because of the steep slopes.

(7) WOODBANK/DEERBANK This medieval boundary structure surrounded the Wood until housing development affected the northern boundary in the 1930’s. Part of the boundary is called The Deer Bank which would have been at least 2 metres high, with a deep ditch on one side when constructed.

(8) LARCH PLANTATION From 1825 to the 1930’s, larches were planted in the Wood and this area is the largest remaining plantation. The trees, about 60 years old, were badly affected by the 1987 storm. Several new trees have been planted here alongside some of the windblown timber. Larch (Larix decidua) provides valuable niches for wildlife, like beetles (Coleoptera), woodpeckers and fungi.

(9) TUMULUS The Bronze Age burial mound was originally 14 metres across and 2 metres high. In 1865, it was excavated revealing three clay urns containing the cremated remains of a Bronze Age individual. It is thought that the tribes of this period buried their dead in upland areas and so, with the Wood being 90 metres above sea level, this area may have seemed ideal. Today, the clearing is an excellent place to watch bats hunting for moths.

(10) BUTTERFLY RIDE The broad verges of this pleasant ride provide an a very good habitat for all kinds of wildlife. Wild flowers and meadow grasses flourish in the sunlight and species like ragged robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi), rosebay willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium) and yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon) provide a good source of colour in the Spring and Summer months. The flowers attract a variety of butterflies, such as the speckled wood (Pararge aegeria), orange tip (Anthocharis cardamines) and painted lady (Cynthia cardui), which can often be seen drifting along the ride.

If you continue along the surfaced path (part of the Easy Access Trail), you will find yourself back at the Information Centre.

Norsey Trail plan