The Friends of the Flitch Way and Associated Woodlands
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Helping to conserve the Flitch Way and countryside for the community
The Flitch Way is a Country Park around part of the disused railway line between Braintree and Bishops Stortford which is managed by Essex Country Parks. We are the volunteers who work to help to maintain and improve the environment for the benefit of the community, working closely with Essex Country Parks and the Rights of Way teams we also help conserve other woods, paths and country parks in north Essex. 
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Update: Flitch Way closed between Little and Great Dunmow
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The byway which connects the Flitch Way at Little Dunmow to Great Dunmow has been temporarily closed for 6 months for drainage and surface improvements. ECC are hopefully that work will be complete by mid November but this depends on the weather. Please be aware that the diversion route is via the B1256 which has a 60 mph speed limit.
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Wildlife of the month
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Cow Parsley
The frothy white heads of Cow Parsley line the sides of the Flitch Way and surrounding roadside verges in late spring. It is also known as Queen Anne’s Lace. The name Cow Parsley simply means an inferior version of Parsley.
Cow Parsley is a hollow-stemmed, tall plant that grows rapidly in the summer before dying back. It has large, flat umbrellas of small, white flowers, and large, fern-like leaves. When crushed between the fingers, the leaves produce a strong, aniseed-like scent. One of several common members of the carrot family, this is the most abundant, and the earliest-flowering of the umbellifers. It can be confused with hogweed which has irritating sap and hemlock which is poisonous. 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 weekends and some school holidays 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. Accessible by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. There is also a large car park and a signed link path to join the Flitch Way at Rayne. |
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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.
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You can help fund these projects by becoming a member and/or using our online donation service:
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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.