Garnetts Wood (SSSI)

Map Ref: TL 634 184  High Easter Road, Barnston, Gt Dunmow.  Small car park near entrance.

This is ancient coppiced woodland with extensive stands of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata), hazel coppice and standard trees of oak and ash. It also includes some fine examples of the rare wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis). Together with the adjoining Barnston Leys it has an area of over 60 acres.  

​It has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as it is one of the best examples of lime woodland in Essex.
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Garnetts Wood's history goes back at least a thousand years and appears in the Doomsday Book. The name of the wood derives from a Mr Garnett who was given the wood in the 10th century by Henry II as a knight’s fee.

In 2006 we helped create an experimental plot where we were removing the invasive species (aspen and birch) and retaining the coppiced hazel stools and standard oak and ash. This, we hope will lead to the serious weakening of the birch and the aspen so over time our coppicing will be more effective. We also keep clear the “B” shaped pond and regularly clear away the scrub from the far end of the butterfly ride that starts by Mr Garnett and the ride that goes towards the large limes at the far west end of the wood

Mr Garnett gets involved with the work party

Clearing one of the butterfly rides

The metal plaque under the statue (currently removed for renovation) reads:
"Over 800 years ago Geffrey Garnet owned and walked these woods.  They were given to him in 1165 as a knights fee a gift of land big enough to support a knight.  Then in the service of King Henry II.  The same trees that grew then are growing today and still yielding a coppiced wood crop.  Now Garnetts Wood belongs to you.  Welcome to your woodland."

Garnetts Wood is covered by the set of Essex Country park byelaws.