Hales and Shadwell Woods
Nature reserve in Essex, England
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hales and Shadwell Woods is a 15.4-hectare (38-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest north-east of Saffron Walden in Essex.[1][2] Shadwell Wood has an area of 7.1 hectares and it is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust.[3] Hales Wood is a National Nature Reserve,[4] and it is listed in the Nature Conservation Review.[5]
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Shadwell Wood | |
 Location of Hales and Shadwell Woods. | |
| Area of search | Essex |
|---|---|
| Grid reference | TL 573414 TL 572404 |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 15.4 ha (38 acres) |
| Notification date | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
The woods, which are under half a mile apart, are both ancient coppice wet ash and maple on chalky boulder clay. The shrub layer is diverse, with plants including wayfaring-trees, guelder roses, spurge-laurel and the nationally uncommon oxlip. Seven species of orchid have been recorded in Shadwell Wood, which also has herb-rich grassy rides.[1]
There is access to Shadwell Wood by a footpath from Walden Road,[3] but no access to Hales Wood.[4]
