This site is a fine example of old wood pasture combined with some ancient woodland of pollarded hornbeam. Around the edges of the woodland there is some re-growth of trees in formerly cleared areas. The site continues northward into adjacent Essex, where it is managed by the Woodland Trust. The smaller portion within London is part of Hainault Forest Country Park, managed by Redbridge Council.Hainault Forest is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Hainault Forest
Borough: Redbridge
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 38.25 ha
Description
Wildlife
The site has notable breeding bird populations including several nationally rare or declining species. These include firecrest, hawfinch, wood warbler, turtle dove, tree sparrow, spotted flycatcher, tree pipit, redpoll, lesser spotted woodpecker and marsh tit.It also supports rare invertebrates including the goat moth at its only site in north London, and several scarce beetles and hoverflies.Streams and flushes support locally uncommon plants such as water chickweed and bog stitchwort. Acid grassland areas support dwarf gorse, petty whin and heather, as well as scarce insects and protected reptiles.Facilities
Information (on signs and at the country park Visitor Centre, which organises events and activities); guided walks; bridleways; nature trail.
Pollarded hornbeams in Hainault Forest © Mike Waite
A ghostly scene at Hainault Forest © Mathew Frith
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