Mardyke Woods Woods Fun in the Forest Have Your Say

Medieval Mardyke Woods woods Fun in the forest Have your say

Welcome to your woods! www.forestry.gov.uk/thameschase MEDIEVAL MARDYKE mardyke WOODS

woods Mardyke Woods was originally three biking along the paths or woodlands: Brannetts exploring nature with Wood, Millard’s Garden your family. and Low Well Wood. Medieval woodbanks The Forestry Commission (earth mounds with trees knows the woods need planted along the top), a little love to make them which would have divided the perfect place for local WELCOME TO these three woods, can people and wildlife - and still be seen today. YOUR WOODS! thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and All three woods were Have you visited Mardyke Veolia North Thames Trust, once part of the Belhus Woods? It’s an ancient we are in the process Park Estate and trees woodland in the heart of of making some big were cut (or ‘coppiced’) to South Ockendon, right on improvements. supply wood for building your doorstep. in the 1800s. But you are the key to The woods are the ideal making the woods a Mardyke Woods is the place to have a break better place; after all, it’s second oldest recorded from urban life and there’s your woods! We would woodland in Essex, dating something for everyone. love your involvement back to 1339! Whether you fancy taking and input into what The woods were probably a quiet walk to listen to the we’re doing - whether here long before birds singing, mountain it’s attending fun events, records began – during getting physical on construction of the volunteer days or giving A13, the skeleton of us your feedback. a Jungle Cat was found by archaeologists! Keep an eye on our website at www.forestry. gov.uk/thameschase for events and activities. ! CUT ALONG DASHED LINE

There’s a lot of more recent history still to be told. If you have any stories about your own memories and experiences, we would love to hear from you and feature them in the next newsletter.

FUN IN THE FOREST TALK TO US! Woods are a great place for kids to explore the Contact your Community outdoors. We have been Ranger on 01708 642964 working with Somers or email thameschase@ Heath Primary School forestry.gsi.gov.uk this year, to make use of their nearby ‘outdoor classroom’. Led by our Community Ranger, all nine classes visited the woods in June for their Science Week. Classes learnt more about wildlife and natural materials found

in the woods by creating MOISTEN HERE wildlife and fairy dens and making ‘muddy art’.

FAIRY FUN!

Fancy making your own fairy fun in the forest? Free downloads are available at forestry.gov.uk/fairytales !

MARDYKE WOODS – HAVE YOUR SAY! WIN A CUT ALONG DASHED LINE The Forestry Commission wants your input on the things you £100 want to see and do at Mardyke Woods. You can also fill this in Go Outdoors online at: https://englandconsult.forestry.gov.uk/ As a thank you for your feedback, you will be entered into a prize draw to Voucher win a £ 100 Go Outdoors voucher. 1. How often do you visit Mardyke Woods? 4. What improvements would you like to Once a week (or more) see in Mardyke Woods? Once a month A few times a year Once every few years Once or twice in total Never 5. Any other comments? 2. What do you enjoy doing in Mardyke Woods? (tick your top 3) Walking Dog walking Bike riding FOLD FOLD Horse riding Running 6. Your details: Enjoying the peace and quiet Name Spending time outdoors Address Nature spotting

Other:

3. What activities are you interested in Phone getting involved with? Email MOISTEN HERE Family fun events Children’s free holiday workshops Yes, I would like to be entered into the Focussed events e.g. dog days, free prize draw to win a £100

wildlife walks Go Outdoors voucher (tick box) MOISTEN HERE Conservation volunteering Yes, I would like more information on Guided walks Mardyke Woods in quarterly email Educational activities updates (tick box)

Other: Thank you for your feedback.

Competition Terms & Conditions: 1. Only one entry per person, entrants must live in Thurrock. 2. Entries must be received by Friday 15th November 2013. The winner will be contacted within 14 days of the competition closing date. 3. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. 4.The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. 5. You are providing your information to the Forestry Commission only. Your details will remain confidential and will not be passed on to any other party. MOISTEN HERE

RM14 3NS RM14

Upminster

Pike Lane Pike

Forestry Commission Forestry FREEPOST

Fold Here mardyke woods

WELCOME TO YOUR WOODS!

Mardyke Woods

@mardykewoods

www.forestry.gov.uk/thameschase mardyke

woods

South D

Ockendon i g

To M25 J29 r i ve

Stifford Road M25

Aveley mardyke mardyke woods woods 30 A13 To M25 J30

Public Transport: OS Ref: Get the App:

Visit www.transportdirect.info TQ 585 805 To find out more about England’s forests, download the Forestry Thames Chase Contact: Commission’s smartphone app. Community Forest: Website: Forestry Commission, FREEPOST, The Forest Centre, Pike Lane, Thames Chase is part of 12 www.forestry.gov.uk/thameschase Community Forests in England. Upminster, Essex, RM14 3NS With a network of 47 sites, [email protected] ‘Like’ us on Facebook: its aim is to help the creation 01708 642 964 and continuing development of greenspace on the edge of Mardyke Woods East London and South Essex. Postcode: The Forestry Commission own and manage 10 community RM15 6BD Follow us on twitter: woodlands within this area. @mardykewoods

The Forestry Commission is Forestry Commission woodlands have the government department been certified in responsible for the protection accordance with the of England’s woods and rules of the Forest forests. We have been working FSC® C011771 Stewardship Council. closely with organisations including Public Health England, Fera, The Royal Parks, Published by Forestry Commission England, 620 Bristol Business Park, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1EJ Richmond Upon Thames 0117 906 6000; [email protected]; Borough Council, The Royal