About the reserve

This magical pocket of ancient woodland is the last remnant of the old Coopersale Common that once linked Epping Lower Forest along the hill ridge to Ongar Park, the Royal Hunting Forest. With its ancient Hornbeam pollards and network of woodland ponds, this reserve feels straight out of a fairy tale.

Follow the paths to the north of the reserve, where the old gravel working sites have gradually been transformed into bogs before circling round to the south of the reserve. Here you’ll pass two springs that rise out on the edge of the plateau, their streams descending through another series of bogs, home to the rare Marsh Fern. Lady Fern, Bogbean, Marsh Valerian, Marsh Marigold and beautifully pink Ragged Robin can also be found.