At the time of the Domesday survey of 1086 the manor of Purleigh in which Ferrers Wood is situated was held by Eustance 11, Count of Boulagne. The land was a mixture of pasture orchards and woodland and from the key indicator species found in Ferrers Wood such as orchids and bluebells it is likely that this was one of the wooded areas. This is a wonderful example of classic English broadleaf woodland.

After passing through the main woodland gate you travel about 200 hundred metres along a woodland ride until you reach the wood on the left hand side, where the boundaries are shown by white markings on posts and trees.

The woodland is open with well-spaced mature trees made up mainly of oak and hornbeam with some holly, hawthorn and a single silver birch.  A lazy, slow-running stream marks this northern boundary. This woodland is ideal for informal family camping, conservation projects or just enjoying the wildlife. Deer visit the woodland and there are squirrels, woodpeckers and lots more.

Close by to the wood is the village of Cock Clarks. The Fox and Hounds pub is an excellent village pub which serves food to help sustain any tired woodlanders. Although close to the towns of Maldon and Chelmsford the area is remarkably "cut off" and is described in the modern Domesday Reloaded as "predominantly rural, the vast majority of land being given over to arable farming," a thousand years seemed to have changed little in this wood.

There is a tpo (tree preservation order) on the wood with a covenant click here to read designed to ensure that all can have quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their woodland. Neither affect normal woodland management where a Forestry Commission approved management plan is in place.

Please note, none of these woods are suitable for residential development, other uses such as summer camping may well be suitable.

Viewing: You are welcome to visit this wood by yourself, but please ensure that you have a copy of these sales details with you - many of our woodlands do not have mobile phone reception or internet access so we recommend either printing the details or downloading them to your phone/tablet/laptop. Please take care when viewing as the great outdoors can contain unexpected hazards and woodlands are no exception.

Click Here  to download a full scale location plan.

Maps are : © Crown copyright and database rights 2020OS Licence no.100057987