Abridge Road Theydon Bois Essex
Woodland Trust wood group
Size:
26.88 ha (66.42 acres)
Grid reference:
TQ458980
Map reference:
Explorer 174
OS Landranger 177
The mixed broadleaves of this new woodland are establishing a bridge between the ancient and mature woodlands nearby. Wildlife is moving in and the wildflower meadows make Theydon Bois a visual treat in the summer. It’s a great place to spot butterflies and dragonflies, and listen to the songs and calls of swallow, goldfinch and sparrow.
Autumn is the time to forage for blackberries, rosehips and elderberries as you watch the leaves begin to turn. Make sure you explore the spiralling paths of the giant earthwork; at 130 metres long and three metres tall, it’s quite the landmark!
The 38-hectare (94.5-acre) Theydon Bois wood is just off the M11 motorway, close to Epping Forest and the village of Theydon Bois.
From the M11, take exit 7 onto the A414 towards Chelmsford/Harlow. At the roundabout, take the exit to the B1393 (London Road). Cross three roundabouts, then turn left onto Theydon Road and continue to Piercing Hill. Turn left onto the B172 (Coppice Row) and continue onto Abridge Road. The site is on the right, just before the M11 flyover.
The nearest London Underground station is Theydon Bois on the Central Line. The site is 1.6km (1 mile) from the station, either along the roadside pavement or via a public right of way.
For more information visit Transport for London or National Rail.
Regular buses run between Theydon and Abridge. The nearest bus stop is by the cemetery on Abridge Road.
Visit Traveline or Transport for London for more information.
The entrance to the site is on the Abridge Road, heading out of Theydon Bois village, just before the M11 flyover. A good network of paths runs through the wood, including two linked public rights of way and a surfaced path.
There is no car park on site. The nearest paid parking is at Theydon Bois underground station, which is open all day, Monday to Sunday.
Toilets are available for paying customers in a number of cafés and pubs in Theydon Bois, and a public toilet is located behind the barriers of the Epping Forest underground station, one stop away from Theydon Bois.
As you explore the woodland, listen out for birds, look for bat boxes and see if you can spot a muntjac deer. Be sure to take a moment by the stream to watch the dragonflies and damselflies as they flit around in the summer.
Look out for:
Planted between 2006 and 2009 on land that is thought to have once been part of Epping Forest, Theydon Bois is full of a diverse range of native species. The meadow has been left unimproved and bursts into colour in the summer, and a small orchard of crab apple blooms in the spring.
Look out for:
The woodland and meadow at Theydon Bois create a corridor between areas of ancient and mature woodland, buffering and extending vital woodland habitats.
Explore:
We acquired the land in 2006 as part of the ‘Tree for All’ project, and planted Theydon Bois with a mix of native broadleaf species between 2006 and 2009, helped by local community groups. Essex County Council paid for 30,000 trees, and the Buddhist religious order, Fo Guang Shan, paid for and planted 4,500 trees.
In 2009, the Booker Prize judges planted an oak avenue. This planting symbolised the replenishment of trees that had been felled to produce the novels submitted for the prize. Local school children also planted a new orchard of 45 trees.
Visiting woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
Discover events at our woods and the festivals and fairs you can find us at soon.
Visiting woods
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