The Friends of the Flitch Way and Associated Woodlands
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Helping to conserve the Flitch Way, Blackwater Rail Trail and Essex countryside for the community.
The Friends of the Flitch Way and Associated Woodlands are a volunteer group who help to maintain and improve areas for the benefit of the community. We work closely with Essex Country Parks and the Rights of Way teams to conserve woods, paths and country parks managed by Essex County Council in north Essex. 
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Wildlife of the month
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Ivy
Ivy is an evergreen, woody climber which can grow to a height of 30m. The juvenile form has climbing stems with specialised hairs, which help it stick to surfaces as it climbs. They actively grow away from the light and towards shade (a rare feature called negative phototropism), in the hope that this is being cast by a tree trunk, wall or other upright feature.
Over time, as ivy matures, it can develop into the thick blanket of ivy we see clothing old trees. It can also be self-supporting. Ivy begins to flower in August and continues into December. The blooms, carried in small umbels, are rich in nectar and pollen and are highly attractive to pollinators of all sorts, being especially valuable for insects looking to prepare for hibernation. The berries ripen soon after, turning bluish-black, and are eaten by thrushes and blackbirds. Ivy was a symbol of fidelity, so priests would present a wreath of ivy to newly married couples. Today it is still the custom for bridal bouquets to contain a sprig of ivy. Discover more on our Wildlife page.
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Why not explore some of the places we work...?
More information is available on our Explore page or click one of the links below to the most popular places.
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Carriage Museum Rayne
A great place for all the family. Enjoy tea and cake from the Booking Hall cafe and then visit the carriage to see the model train set and learn about the history of the old railway in the carriage museum. Open 11 am until 3 pm Thursday to Monday subject to volunteer steward availability. |
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The Flitch Way
Stretching for nearly 15 miles between Braintree and Bishops Stortford, the Flitch Way provides a safe traffic free environment for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The Flitch Way forms part of National Cycle Network Route 16. Car parking at Braintree train station and Great Notley Country Park. |
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Great Notley Country Park
Voted Best "Fun for Free" Attraction for Families in Essex for 2018 by Primary Times it has over 100 acres of parkland and great play facilities from tots to teens. It has also won a 2019 Green Flag award. There is also a large car park and a signed link path to join the Flitch Way at Rayne, accessible to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. |
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Blackwater Rail Trail
This is a beautiful walk along a disused railway line between Witham and Maldon in Essex, most parts of which are also accessible to cyclists and horse riders. |
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Footpath Work Group
There are many miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways in Essex. The group is on call to go out and clear these Public Rights of Way. This can include building new bridges, gates and steps. So next time you are out on footpaths, around Essex, have a look and see if you can find one of the Friends discs on items we have installed. |
Major projects we are trying to fund include the following:
- Replace and extend the Dunmow boardwalk on the Flitch Way near Oak Spring at Great Dunmow.
You can help fund these projects by becoming a member and/or using our online donation services:
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Paypal
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The Flitch Way is managed by Essex County Council Country Parks. Please be aware:
Useful contact numbers:
- Motorised vehicles are not permitted except along the Grange Lane Track which connects the Flitch Way at Little Dunmow to Chelmsford Road, Great Dunmow and Buttleys Lane near Great Dunmow. If you see a vehicle using the Flitch Way, please report it to the police on 101/999 and let the Park Rangers know of the incident number.
- All dogs should be under control.
- If you have an incident with a dog, please report it to the relevant dog warden and police with a detailed description and let the Park Rangers know the incident number.
- Please take your litter home with you.
Useful contact numbers:
- Country Park Rangers 03330 132 900 or message the Rangers on their Facebook page.
- Braintree Dog Warden 01376 552 525.
- Uttlesford Dog Warden 01799 510 510.
- Uttlesford Environmental Health 01799 510 510.
- Essex County Wide Traveller Unit 0345 603 7624.