Hockleyhall Woods are typical of this part of Essex, mostly hornbeam which will have been coppiced in the past, but here are mature. Oaks are also part of the wood. In spring there is an amazing display of bluebells. Parts of the wood are classified as ancient and semi-natural although most is likely to be the same. There are extensive open areas between the trees, perfect for private camping or for woodcraft activities. It's a broad-leaved conservation woodland, level, pretty, has a hard track to the gate (although this has got somewhat overgrown, the present owner has used a quad mule for access, but can be trimmed back for a normal vehicle as it was in the past) and rare in Essex.

There is a TPO on the wood but where a Forestry Commission approved management plan is in place this does not hamper normal woodland practices.

Along the front of the wood are brambles, they have grown vigorously this year. Looking into the wood from the gate the red tags can be seen leading off to the right side boundary. Walk stright ahead, slightly left where the brambles are less, going further the brambles are fewer and the wood becomes much more open.  The brambles make the wood much more private. Do go in stout clothes and boots. The bambles are not high and are easily mown.

The Pond  although extensive it has dried out this summer but normally holds water all year round. In the recent past it has been a good fishing pond.

Access  is off Church Road, along St Peters Road which is private then along a woodland track. It is all solid.

Boundaries  along the north side it's next to the track/path, to the south there is a bank, along the west there is some old barbed wire which has red tags on it, and to the east there are some red tags.

Full-scale  Click here to download and print a map showing the location of the woodland.

Click HERE to see free OS maps and scroll out for a wider view.

Viewing:  See below in Directions. 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 or tablet. Please take care when viewing as the great outdoors can contain unexpected hazards and woodlands are no exception.

Hockley Parish, Rochford District in Essex

Maps are : © Crown copyright and database rights 2021 OS Licence no.100057987