Local Wildlife Site

Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation

Folkes Lane Woodland
Borough: Havering
Grade: Borough Grade II
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 49.3 ha

Description

Folks Lane Woodland lies between the A127 and the M25, with the former blocked off by planted native trees providing a quite spot to enjoy the woodland. Its position on a steep hill gives stunning views over the River Thames and across to Canary Wharf and the London Eye. It is part of Thames Chase Community Forest and includes over 90,000 trees planted by the Forestry Commission. The site and car park are closed overnight.

Wildlife

Previously arable fields, this site has been planted with trees. These are mostly native broad-leaves, with some scots pine and larch, bordered in places by bramble patches and blackthorn thickets. Grassy rides separate areas of woodland and a large open area has been left on high ground towards the northern end of the site. Parts of this are rich in flowering plants, including knapweed and devilsbit scabious. On site are several ancient hedges with many massive oaks, plus sweet chestnut, wild service, elm and hawthorn. Ground flora includes wood sage, hedge woundwort and great horsetail. A small pond has been created with good aquatic vegetation. This large site provides good habitat for a variety of birds and small mammals and forms part of a wildlife corridor running alongside the M25 to its west.

Facilities

Picnic area; waymarked walking route; car park; bridleways
No photo yet available for this site

No photo yet available for this site

Feedback

Have a question or a comment for this site, or notice anything missing or out of date? Please contact us.

Find out more

More information on GiGL’s SINC dataset can be found here.

Additional information, including other site designations and species recorded onsite and nearby, can be provided in community and client data search reports. Request information here.