AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 ESSEX
EXPLORER Magazine
PARKS IN WINTER
Walking with author Stephen Neale Essex Check our Vineyards website for the latest on our parks and places given changing levels Get Going of COVID-19 restrictions. in the Garden
Image credit: Stephen Neale / WildEssex.com Welcome ...
Wivenhoe House Hotel is Contents temporarily closed during national lockdown. Check o the very first edition of Essex Explorer, a their website for updates magazine with fascinating features, inspirational News 4 Tlifestyle ideas, competitions and all of the latest news from across our parks and green spaces - and it’s Parks & Wildlife 6 all for you. Wildlife Watch 12 This issue is jam-packed full of the latest news, discover the history of a Tudor garden and gain some Essex Past & Present 20 green-fingered tips from Rebecca Ashbey, Head Gardener at Cressing Temple Barns, great winter reads, Stephen Neale 20 delicious recipes and an insider look at the local grape harvest at New Hall Vineyard, plus lots of competitions. Essex Vineyards 26 Meet author Stephen Neale, who tells us about his love of the Essex coastline, its countryside and some of Get Going in the Garden 30 his favourite walks. Discover the special landscape of Marsh Farm Country Park, and the migratory birds that Get Cooking 34 overwinter there, as well as the wildlife to look out for when you are out and about this season. Winter Reads 36
Travel back in time and delve into the history of one Days Out/Things to do 38 of the parks or learn about the county’s past with the Essex Record Office.
We hope you enjoy the articles in this edition, we want to inspire you to create your own adventures and About us make the most of the incredible spaces we have in our beautiful county. Explore Essex brings together a unique group of green spaces and heritage places owned by Autumn and winter really are the best seasons to enjoy Essex County Council and our mission is to deliver the county’s inspiring and diverse landscape, so wrap- a broad range of facilities and activities for the up warm - and whatever happens over the coming people of Essex. months during these challenging times - you can always embrace the great outdoors and Explore Essex. Conservation is also at the heart of what we do. Any money spent with the Explore Essex group of places is ultimately reinvested to help maintain and develop the sites for the benefit of visitors, STAYCATION and the protection of the flora and fauna within. Get Connected Keep up to date with our news, activities and competitions. W I T H U S A T www.explore-essex.com @exploressex @exploressex @exploreessex This magazine is available as an accessible PDF. WIVENHOE HOUSE HOTEL To request a copy email [email protected] [email protected]
EDITORIAL: EMMA WILLIAMS, CHRISTOPHER DAVIES, SOPHIE FINCH. CONTRIBUTORS: STEPHEN NEALE, ROB HAWORTH, REBECCA ASHBEY, WIVENHOE HOUSE, TIPTREE TEA ROOMS, NEW HALL VINEYARD, EXPLORE ESSEX EVENTS TEAM, ANDREW ADAMS ADVERTISING: [email protected] THIS INFORMATION IS ISSUED BY ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL, HERITAGE, TOURISM, CULTURE AND GREEN SPACES. © ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL 2020 ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL, COUNTY HALL, CHELMSFORD, CM1 1QH AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 3 01206 863666 | [email protected] | WWW.WIVENHOEHOUSE.CO.UK NEWS TITLE Explore Essex NEWS Autumn/Winter 2020 The Essex Forest Initiative Tree Planting: Essex Country Parks How can I get involved? awarded Green Flag status for excellence We are very excited to confirm that this winter We’re passionate about the Great Outdoors at Explore Explore Essex Country Parks aim to plant thousands Essex and we’re sure you are too. If you are one of of trees across our land as part of the Essex Forest those people, like us, who really wants to do your bit to Initiative, in partnership with the Woodland Trust. help combat Climate Change to protect and improve Councillor Simon Walsh, Essex County Councillor Explore Essex is delighted to share the our environment, there is plenty of positive change Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate We are hoping to being put into place that we can celebrate in our news that our Country Parks have been Change Action, said: run a series of recognised for their excellent standards county. Read on to find out more about some of these pre-bookable public “We are delighted that our country parks schemes and discover how you can get involved. tree planting events by being awarded Green Flag status. have been awarded the prestigious at our Country Green Flag status once again. It truly is Parks next year. The Green Flag awards recognise and reward a testament to our park development well managed parks throughout the country and If you are interested demonstrate that the spaces meet the needs of the managers and rangers – as well as our in taking part communities they serve. highly regarded and respected voluntary Have you heard about the sign up to our and friends’ groups – and the fantastic work newsletter, we’ll This international award, now in its third decade, also Essex Forest Initiative? release bookings to our subscribers first. confirms that our parks boast the highest possible they do which ensures our green spaces environmental standards, are beautifully maintained meet this excellent standard.’’ Sign up to our newsletter here: and have excellent visitor facilities. Essex County Council announced a pledge, last https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKESSEX/ autumn, to plant 375,000 trees across Essex over signup/10840) To celebrate receiving the Green Flag award, the five years to reduce carbon levels, this is known as visitor centre at Great Notley Country Park was lit up the Essex Forest Initiative and is part of the Essex in green. Six other country parks – Thorndon, Weald, Climate Change Action Plan. The initiative aims to Belhus Woods, Danbury, Cudmore Grove and Hadleigh capture 60,000 tonnes of carbon, and there will be – all received Green Flag status and have proudly further projects as part of the Climate Change Plan Explore Essex Awards Arts displayed their new flags within the park grounds. to promote sustainable transport and help reduce Partnership Commission Essex Country Parks have an important role in waste over the coming months and years. helping people with their physical and mental health – particularly relevant in these current times To celebrate the Essex Forest Initiative, Explore – by providing access to large green spaces in which Essex are pleased to announce the award of an to walk, cycle, ride, play and run free. Read more about the Essex Forest Initiative exciting commission to arts partnership INSTAR to www.essex.gov.uk/the-essex-forest-initiative The parks also boast a diverse range of beautiful produce a work in one of our parks which will explore landscapes and important habitats. Each park offers people’s connection with the natural world through visitors something unique, from the deer enclosure at contemporary art. Weald, to the longest children’s play trail in the county INSTAR, artists Trish Evans and Nick Humphreys, at Great Notley or the five lakes at Belhus Woods. have previously worked with The Wildlife Trusts, The National Forests and The National Trust. We are incredibly excited by their concept of a playful immersive experience using mirrored and steel surfaces in the landscape, which aims to engage with local residents and visitors.
4 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 5 PARKS & WILDLIFE Parks Which park should I visit? Head over to Cudmore Grove for a refreshing stroll and beachcomb to blow away the cobwebs. It is in winter nestled on the coast where the Colne Estuary meets The benefits of the great outdoors the River Blackwater, with unparalleled sea views. If you’re a wildlife lover, be sure to visit Marsh Farm in the changing seasons situated on the Crouch Estuary, abundant with wildlife, including a wide array of migrating birds (see the Wildlife Watch on page 12 for more). 2 The quiet, traffic-free 5 A trip to the park can atmosphere in the park help you beat those Options for more sheltered, inland parks include can improve your mental winter blues! Exercise Danbury and Belhus Woods. There’s plenty to do, health by promoting and fresh air can such as exploring the ancient relaxation and boosting increase your serotonin woodlands, meadows, strolling your wellbeing. Studies levels which, in turn, around the lakes and spotting show that spending as can boost your mood the historic remains. little as 20 minutes in and self-esteem. the park is enough to boost your wellbeing and improve your life satisfaction. With the daylight hours not being Looking for a park that will in our favour, head With temperatures dropping, daylight over to the park in your delight your little ones? dwindling and the weather becoming lunchtime break or on We recommend Weald Country Park, home to the more wintry, the temptation to stay the weekend. Stick Man Trail. This much-loved wintry tale tells the story of the Stick Man who is trying to get indoors and get cosy is increasing. 3 Getting outdoors home to his family. Or if your children are fans However, getting a daily or weekly can reduce fatigue by 6 It’s also great for of the Gruffalo, let their imaginations run wild at boosting vitamin D levels, those of you with Thorndon Country Park’s Gruffalo Trail. Best of all, dose of the great outdoors has some helping you to feel more children. Exploring they’re free! surprisingly positive health benefits and alert and refreshed. outdoor playgrounds Enjoy an active day out at Hadleigh Country Park Thus, improving your are not only lots of is a fun, free day out for all the family. – put your cycling skills to the test on the cycling concentration levels fun, they can increase trails. Or have fun hopping, climbing and jumping and productivity. imaginative play and In the uncertain times your way around the 1.2 kilometres play trail 1 A trip to the park improve communication we find ourselves in at at Great Notley. provides you with quality 4 Exercise improves skills, strengthen the moment, visiting time to disconnect from your physical health. children’s muscles and Plenty of fantastic winter days out, suitable for country parks is a technology and the Did you know it can co-ordination, and burn the whole family to enjoy, with the added bonus great way to unwind, stresses of life. This time reduce your risk of off excess energy! of them being on your doorstop. reconnect with nature enables reflection and and relax, whilst being certain diseases, such can help you think more as heart disease and With all these positive surrounded by acres of clearly. Studies show type 2 diabetes, by up to benefits to both your green space – with the that you are more likely 30%? Exercise, even just mental and physical added benefit of having to think of creative and a gentle walk, can build health, and a selection plenty of room to abide innovative ideas whilst your muscle strength and of parks conveniently by social taking a stroll in pleasant increase your fitness levels. located all over Essex, distancing measures. outdoor surroundings. it is an ideal time to If you’re stuck for ideas, get out for a stroll and Here are some of take a trip to the park to enjoy the delights of the many benefits of get your creative winter – crunchy leaves, a trip to the park – juices flowing. dewy grass, fresh air and whether you go for a winter wildlife. So, wrap run, a walk or just to up warm and grab your enjoy the coat and wellies for a day beautiful scenery. in the great outdoors.
6 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 Be safe. Follow government guidelines when you visit. AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 7 PARKS & WILDLIFE Parks spotlight Parks spotlight
COMPETITION
Weald Country Park Stick Man Trail WIN one of two Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Goody Bags. Prize includes a Zog sticker book, hardback Stick Man annual and Whether you enjoy bestselling book. It is cuddly Gruffalo toy. cycling, walking or a tale of adventure and The Stick Man play even horse riding, there showcases the family To be in with a chance of winning send your are designated paths bond between Stick trail is designed by answer (one entry per person) to: and routes circling the Man, his lady love and leading natural play [email protected] woodlands, meadows their stick children. The specialists and Title your email with the competition name. and lakes – perfect question is, can you help for some downtime Stick Man find his way brings to life the For competition closing dates and full terms and to switch off from the back to the family tree in bestselling Julia conditions please visit the Explore Essex website. hustle and bustle of time for Christmas? Donaldson, and illustrated by Axel Q: Which trail inspired by the book everyday life. Fishing is by Julia Donaldson also permitted so why After a day of exploring Scheffler, picture book, Stick Man. and illustrated by Axel not wrap up warm and this beautiful park, warm The trail has been designed to work with the Scheffler is at Weald bring the family along up with a hot drink and historic parkland and its stunning views with the Country Park? to hone your fishing a snack from the Wiggly Bush Café, located in the aim that it will inspire imaginative play. skills together (although, a. Stick Man Trail visitor centre (takeaways Located in Brentwood, Weald fishing permits are The Stick Man play trail covers two kilometres of b. Gruffalo Trail required). only). Country Park is well-loved, family the park taking you past the deer enclosure, the c. Zog Trail Weald Country Park is lake and the grazing area. There are seven play Your little ones will get areas to enjoy on the route with areas to climb, friendly and popular with both locals the most enjoyment out open from 08:00am to © 2008 & TM Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light swing, crawl through and lay and enjoy watching Pictures Limited. and celebrities. Rich in history, it of the Stick Man Trail. dusk every day and the Stick Man Trail is free to the clouds go by. See if you can spot the Stick Man With over two kilometres and his family built into the play areas. originated as a medieval deer park to explore and seven play use during park opening in the 12th century and then became areas to climb, swing hours. A Stick Man Trail The Stick Man play and crawl through, this map is available to trail is open to the site of the great Tudor mansion, self-led trail is sure to purchase from the café everyone and is Weald Hall, built in the 16th century. get imaginations running at the visitor centre. free to use during wild as it brings to life park opening hours Fast forward to 2020 In addition to the the story of the Stick Man throughout the year. and Weald Country Park wonderful wildlife at from Julia Donaldson, A map of the trail is still home to herds of Weald, it’s historic and illustrated by Axel is available to buy deer and the perfect park landscape and stunning Scheffler, from the visitor for an autumnal/wintry views offer a serene centre for 50p. outing. We recommend and relaxing day out heading over to the for a winter walk. With enclosure where you over 500 acres of open can get up close and grassland, ancient feed the deer. Food is woodland, fishing lakes, available to purchase wildflower meadows, the from the visitor centre deer park and the Stick and feeding chutes are Man Trail, there is plenty set up to help you deliver to keep the whole your tasty treats. If you family entertained. delve into the woods on a stroll, you might be lucky enough to spot some wild deer roaming the park.
8 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 Be safe. Follow government guidelines when you visit. AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 9 PARKS & WILDLIFE
Our parks in autumn and winter With photographer Andrew Adams
Andrew Adams is a resident of Brentwood and enjoys nothing more than trekking through the many amazing parks across the county. He is an experienced and multifaceted photographer with interests in These stunning photos were taken at Belhus Woods, Danbury, wildlife, landscape and street photography. Thorndon and Weald Country Parks. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, ducks, robins, mushrooms and other fungi, fallen leaves and more. We would love to see your wildlife photos – for the opportunity to feature in our next edition, please email us at [email protected]
10 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 11 PARKS & WILDLIFE Discover winter migratory birds Currently, there are good numbers winter over 3000 Dunlin can be See something special from Siberia Walk around Marsh Farm of Dark Bellied Brent Geese, recorded, an impressive sight when however, their conservation you see them on the wing. These Country Park and you’ll be status in the United Kingdom is small birds breed in the uplands of While the nip of Jack Frost and greeted with the sight of “amber” as there are only a few England, Scotland and Wales before icy winds are part of winter, it’s Dark Bellied Brent Geese overwintering sites used by the migrating south for the winter. (which arrive at the park Dark Bellied Brent Geese in this The large area of saltmarsh is also still the perfect time of year to country, and so these sites need to home to another 19 migratory from the end of October). wrap up warm, get out in the be protected. species such as Redshanks, The geese migrate from Lapwings, Wigeons, Teals and fresh air and discover the array But, if you stroll around Marsh Farm Oyster Catchers to name but a few. Russia to overwinter on the you’ll see much more than Dark of wonderful wildlife that can be Essex coast by flying 2,500 Bellied Brent Geese, as the park found in our country parks. miles from the deepest, is home to a vast array of both migratory and resident wildlife. darkest depths of Siberia. In this edition we focus on Marsh Farm Country Park. Walk east from the Riverside car This 300-acre park is adjacent to the River Crouch park and you will find yourself on and is a Special Protection Area, a Site of Special the sea wall, with the tidal River Scientific Interest and a RAMSAR site, due to its Crouch on your right, and the importance for overwintering Dark Bellied Brent country park on your left. Keep walking to discover the expanse Geeseand overwintering wetland birds in general, Serious ‘twitchers’ regularly visit of green fields (the grazing marsh as well as many species of waders and ducks during to view this avian spectacle but much loved by the Brent Geese), the autumn and winter months. there’s still much more to see borrow dykes, mud flats and salt throughout the park. Resident avian marsh that provide food and shelter species, such as the park’s famous for a variety of overwintering Mute and Black Swans, Mallards, wetland birds. The Marsh Farm Little Grebe’s, Coots, Reed Bunting Ranger conducts a monthly and many more, while mammals wetland bird survey - as part like Seals, Stoats, Foxes, Muntjac, of the UK national wetland bird Badgers, Water Voles and Weasels The geese – which are protected monitoring scheme - and during under the Wildlife and Countryside can be seen year-round. Act – are herbivorous and feed on eelgrass (an important underwater plant) and other vegetation. The Wherever you go in our parks you’re sure to see something special, grazing marsh at the park is so wrap up warm and take a stroll – you never know what you managed through hay cropping and might discover. If during your explorations you see any of the sheep grazing to provide short, lush inhabitants of our parks, then take a picture and send it to grass for the Brent Geese to feed on [email protected] we’d love to see your photos. when they arrive here in October. Marsh Farm is also an important habitat for coastal plants such as See overleaf for a full When you visit our parks, you’ll Sea Barley, Sea Clover, Sea Lavender see a wide range of national and and Grass Vetchling. range of both resident international creatures, right and migratory birds that here in Essex on your doorstep. inhabit our parks during Why not get out and explore the parks this winter and the autumn and see what you winter months. can find.
12 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 Be safe. Follow government guidelines when you visit. AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 13 PARKS & WILDLIFE Resident Overwintering wetland birds
Avocet Bar Tailed Godwit Black Swan Black Tailed Godwit Heron Lapwing Little Grebe Mallard
Dark bellied Brent Oyster Catcher Cetti’s Warbler Coot Curlew Geese Meadow Pipit Moorhen Mute Swan
Dunlin Greenshank Green Woodpecker Grey Plover Pochard Reed Bunting Redshank Ringed plover
Golden Plover How many different Shelduck Shoveler Skylark Teal species of birds can you spot in the parks this winter? (please note: some of the birds featured are not displaying their winter plumage).
Turnstone Water Rail Wigeon
14 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 15 ESSEX PAST & PRESENT
This is Essex Meet some of Ever been fed-up by the the Visit Essex Councillor Durham, Vice-Chair of stigma around Essex? Visit Essex, said: ‘’If nightclubs and beauty salons are your thing we Ambassadors do have plenty, but, Essex is also a great place for quiet walks, a In the film comedian Ellie Taylor boat trip or paddle boarding on the takes a wry look at the Essex river, seal watching, wine tasting accent, pantomime dame Anthony at vineyards, spa breaks, cycling Stuart-Hicks shows off his white with the family, watching wildlife stilettos with tongue firmly planted on island nature reserves or simply in cheek and eighth generation enjoying a great meal out. Mersea oysterman, Tom Haward, The This is Essex campaign proves going ‘out, out’ doesn’t challenges the perceptions of our always mean getting out the false diverse county by putting Essex’s eyelashes and fake tan! On top of all Extraordinary People at the heart that, female rally champion, Nabila of it, celebrating achievement, and Tejpar shows us all that, surprise helping to make people feel proud to surprise, the county is not full of say they are from the county. ‘boy racers’ after all.
Authors and artists alike are also The film also stars Essex treasures challenging the Essex stereotype, like Michelin starred chefs, the artist Elsa James has led a campaign Galvin Brothers, Super Scientist Dr and author Sarah Perry has just Miles Adcock, Paralympian Anne released her new book ‘Essex Girls’, Wafula-Strike, Coggeshall Vintner, following the success of her previous Jane Mohan, Harwich Town Crier, Lisa Bone, Tourism and Place title ‘The Essex Serpent’, which is James Cole, Hedingham Castle Marketing Manager, said: ‘’This is the now being made into a TV series.’’ owner, Demetra Lindsay and metal start of a long-term campaign to detectorist, Adrian Gayler. re-position Essex. We are more than Lisa Bone added: ‘’Our video was people’s assumptions and we want created to once and for all take to create new messages about what on this stereotype and encourage Essex is and what we have to offer. people and the media to take a This is Essex is second look at the county. It is a The county includes the UK’s first tongue-in-cheek way to confront our an exciting new city, historic villages, small market image by showcasing a wide range towns and a city. Essex boasts of talented and diverse people (our campaign by tourist excellent universities, cutting- ambassadors) to show that Essex management body edge industry, stunning scenery people are diverse, talented and and coastline all within an hour’s surprising . . . and there is more to Visit Essex which commute of London. Essex than you think.’’ seeks to challenge the stereotypes There are so many different sides to Essex. around the It’s a great place to invest, live, work, study and of course visit. ’’ people and place. We attended the launch to find So, the film…. out more. Watch here www.visitessex.com/this-is-essex Tell us what you think #ThisisEssex @VisitEssex
16 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 17 ESSEX PAST & PRESENT
Certificate Copies: Get a birth, provide archival copies of your ERO offers an affordable way for marriage or death certificate for own collections. Whether you are you to preserve your material and events that happened in Essex – a heritage organisation requiring memories for years to come. the ERO’s can supply certificates digitisation of a whole collection, from the start of civil registration. or an individual with a collection of Search Service: Don’t worry if you These can be ordered on the ERO’s family papers and photographs, we come a cropper while conducting website: www. offer a range of digitisation services genealogy or other research as essexrecordoffice.co.uk. to suit your needs. the ERO’s Search Service can help with researching your family tree, Conservation: Have an old book, Sound and Video Services: Have the history of your house or tracing publication or parchment that you you got precious material stored vintage and classic car registrations want repaired or conserved? Then on vinyl records, open reel tapes, - and you’ll receive a report on visit the ERO as they’ve been caring cassettes and video tapes or other their findings. for their own collections since 1938. outdated media? Don’t fret as the For a small cost tThe ERO can help with book, paper and parchment repair and conservation; preparing Visit https://www.essexrecordoffice.co.uk/ documents for display or storage; packaging with conservation grade for a full range of services, information and materials as well as provide advice fascinating facts about the ERO and the county. on storage.
Essex Sound and Video Archive (ESVA): Let the past come alive before your eyes and ears with the ESVA. The ESVA collects sound and video recordings which cover all aspects of life and culture in Essex, with a particular focus on oral history, broadcast material, music and dance. You can receive digital Discover the copies on subjects from agriculture to the Second World War. Currently, the ESVA has over 30,000 recordings, so there’s sure to be county’s past something to pique your interest. Reprographics: Gain copies from with Essex Record Office most of the ERO’s vast collection or receive high-quality digital images. Delve into the county’s rich and varied history with one of Whether it’s for your own private research or for display or the country’s leading archive services - the Essex Record publication, you can take part Office (ERO). Founded in 1938, the ERO is a treasure trove of the past home with you. The ERO full of fascinating documents, images and recordings that also provide a state-of-the-art digitisation service which can tell the story of nearly 1,000 years of our county’s past. Credit: ERO - Spalding Collection
Take a trip to and you’ll be amazed a subscription. This includes parish Art Collections: Not many people at what you can discover at the baptism, marriage and burial know it, but the ERO holds a ERO with services and much more, records, wills from all over the significant art collection, dating such as: county and a selection of from 1570 to the present. While electoral registers. the collection is strong in classical Collections: The majority of the portraiture, it also has many ERO’s vast collection of historic examples of the modern art documents can be viewed in movement from the 1950s and person in the ERO Searchroom. 1960s, with many having a strong Every document is listed on t Essex connection. There’s also heir online catalogue, archaeological reconstruction www.essexarchivesonline.co.uk and Dutch genre paintings and of and many of the key collections course Essex landscapes, many of can be viewed from the comfort which are available to view in the of your own home by purchasing building.
18 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 19 ESSEX PAST & PRESENT The Essex Record Office reveal the hidden history of Weald Hall In 1950, Weald Hall became one of the county’s country house casualties of the post-war period. Having been used by the military during World War II and badly damaged by fire, the house was pulled down. Soon afterwards the estate was purchased by Essex County Council and is today Weald Country Park.
ortions of the house dated back Less than 20 years later, in Tower. Census records provide an Pto the 16th century, although it 1685, the property was sold interesting snapshot of his life at had been substantially added to and again, this time to a merchant, Weald Hall; in 1901 the family were remodelled over time. From the 11th Erasmus Smith. The Smiths made attended by 15 live-in servants. century until 1540, the manor of substantial improvements to the South Weald was in the possession house and grounds, and a map Christopher John Hume Tower was of Waltham Abbey. When the abbey commissioned in 1738 shows a plan to experience much tragedy in his was dissolved under Henry VIII, the of the house surrounded by formal life. His first wife died in childbirth manor was sold to Sir Brian Tuke. walled gardens and an extensive and their daughter died a month The Tuke family only owned the landscaped park. later. He remarried and had two estate for eight years and in 1548 sons, Christopher Cecil and Hugh it was sold to Sir Antony Browne, The property next changed hands Christopher, who were both killed who is the most likely candidate in 1752 when it was purchased by during World War I. Christopher was to have built the core of the 16th Thomas Tower. His son Christopher killed in action near Loos in France on century property, about 100 metres purchased more land to extend October 2 1915, and Hugh was killed northwest of the church. the park and softened the formal while serving with the Royal Flying lines of the garden to keep up Corps in 1916. Browne was a regular at the with 18th century fashions. He also court of Henry VIII and founder commissioned Robert Adam to Today little trace of the house of Brentwood School. He assisted make changes to the hall’s interiors. remains, but visitors can spy Thomas Cromwell in engineering remnants of garden buildings th the downfall of Anne Boleyn and The estate passed through and the shape of the 18 century during the reign of Mary Tudor several generations of the Tower informal landscaping and meet the assisted with the persecution of family, the last of whom to own park’s resident herd of fallow deer. Protestants. He had a busy personal it was Christopher John Hume life too; with his wife Alice he had Credit: ERO D/DM P1 - The Walker map seven sons and three daughters, as well as two illegitimate children and two children, who died in infancy, with his second wife, whom he married when he was about 42 and she was 15.
The estate remained in the Browne family for more than 100 years but was sold in 1668 to Sir William Scroggs. Scroggs fought for the Royalists during the Civil War, and went on to have a long legal career, including as a Lord Chief Justice. According to his entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, he had ‘a reputation for debauchery, loose living and love of drink’.
20 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 21 SPOTLIGHT Walking with author Stephen Neale
Ex-journalist, keen kayaker, wild camping enthusiast, walking path surveyor and award-winning bestselling author, Stephen Neale is all of the above. Born in Southend-on-Sea, and now living with his family in Leigh-on-Sea, Stephen has produced three bestselling books, Camping by the Waterside, Wild Camping and The England Coast Path. Here, Stephen talks to Essex Explorer magazine about why he loves nothing more than walking around our glorious county….
How did you start writing What do you enjoy most Where have you been about Essex and its about walking in Essex? recently? countryside? Quite simply it’s the variety that Well, normally I walk with other West Mersea About 15 years ago my wife and the county offers and the fact that people, but all that changed I bought a motorhome. As we’re everywhere is accessible. Essex is with social distancing. Probably keen kayakers and swimmers we just as beautiful as, for example my longest journey prior to the Cumbria, but it’s much easier to pandemic was last year when my wanted to drive to caravan sites walking up Coniston then your view through these forests you can fitness. I wouldn’t say Essex is flat get out on the trail and explore friend and I walked the Essex Way. that were next to rivers and the changes, but the Essex Way is truly imagine what it was like in Essex - despite what many people think – the different landscapes. Essex is We walked the 81-mile route in sea, pitch up and go kayaking accessible and is a wonderful walk a thousand or more years ago. as it has rolling hills, but you don’t a truly diverse county, what with nine days, although it was probably or swimming. Unfortunately, I as you’re never far from a village for What many people don’t realise is have to work too hard to enjoy a its coastal and countryside walks, closer to 100 miles as you detour found that a lot of the campsite refreshments or accommodation. that Essex has some of the oldest view. Basically, I want to walk all but it’s only when you reach the through picturesque villages. It was descriptions were vague to say the and best woodlands in Europe. day and then walk the next and more secluded areas do you realise like walking in an oil painting as we least, so I decided to start my own What’s next for you? Everywhere you walk you’re you can’t do that in the more hiller, what wonderful landscapes and an passed from one field to another website which proved popular. travelling through thousands of mountainous areas of the UK – amazing array of wildlife we have under beautiful and wide-open blue I’m planning to walk the Saffron years of history and heritage with that’s why Essex is perfect. At the time there was a TV right on our doorstep. skies. I love Cumbria, and if you’re Trail – which is a wonderful journey every step. programme by Martin Dorey called from Southend to Saffron Walden ‘One Man and His Camper Van’ and is just over 70 miles in total. One of my favourite winter coastal and I saw on his social media After walking the Essex Way, where journeys is a two-hour walk from that he had a book coming out. I I stayed in B&B’s each night, this Fingringhoe (near Colchester) retweeted it and thought no more time I’ll camp as I’ve had enough along the River Colne as it has about it. About a month later I got of luxury. woodlands, creeks and costal paths a surprise call from Martin, saying – which again demonstrates the that he loved my website and variety we have in the county. that I should turn it into a book. Do you have different walks It got me thinking and so I spoke you prefer to do based on to some publishers. Eventually I How would you describe signed a deal and the rest they say the time of year? is history. Essex to someone who During the winter months I prefer doesn’t live in the county? walking in woodlands, for the simple reason it’s always a bit I’d describe it as a wonderful Be safe. Follow government warmer than walking on the coast county that has a variety of guidelines and plan your walks and two of my favourites are landscapes and wildlife, is easily in advance. Hatfield and Epping Forest. I love accessible and is ideal for fabulous indigenous woodland and walking walks, whatever your age or Cudmore Grove
22 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 23 SPOTLIGHT
Walking with author Stephen Neale (cont’d)
Wildlife wise we’re very lucky. From your book what, and You can see migrating birds in why, is your favourite area the saltmarsh creeks, Peregrine Falcons in Basildon, Red Kites and of England? Buzzards in the countryside, Hen It has to be South Devon – it truly Harriers at Wallesea Island, the is beautiful – as it’s stunning and woodlands surrounding Colchester perfect for everything I enjoy, have Roe Deer and Muntjac’s, namely walking, kayaking there are Otters in the majority of and camping. rivers, Pipistrelle Bats in parks and fields, rare butterflies and the best fauna and fungi in Britain – we You’ve produced three really are blessed to have all this wonderful wildlife so close to us. books so far, are there any others in the pipeline? There are many more to come What’s the strangest as I find it’s a lot of fun writing thing you’ve found when books. It really is a privilege to walking? be able to write about something you’re passionate about but Well I didn’t actually find it myself; unfortunately, you’re never going I read about it and went to help to become rich from it. but at Cudmore Grove, on Mersea Island, a Mammoth’s tusk was discovered so I went and helped excavate it. Cudmore Grove really is a hidden Essex gem, it’s a wonderful Site of Scientific COMPETITION Interest, with some fantastic coastal walks, and is known as All images courtesy of Holland on Sea the ‘Hippo graveyard’ due to the Stephen Neale / WildEssex.com We have two copies hippopotamus bones that were found there in 1979. of Stephen’s bestselling and award-winning book ‘The England Coast Path’ to give away to our lucky winners. To be in with a chance of winning send your answers to the question below to [email protected] For competition closing dates and full terms and conditions please visit the Explore Essex website. Question: How many miles of coastline does Essex have? Hoy Lake Lion Creek A) 350 B) 35 C) 3.5
24 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 2525 LIFESTYLE From grape to glass: Wine harvest New Hall Vineyard gives us an insight into in Essex their harvesting It’s hard to believe So, what is it process, from that just over fifty about Essex that grape to glass. years ago there were makes it great all-important alcohol! Yeast needs no vineyards to be to be warm, well-nourished and found in Essex. Fast for producing Picking the grapes have adequate oxygen in order to thrive and maintain a well-paced Does the process differ forward to 2020 wine? The process of deciding when to fermentation. The winemakers pick the grapes is more complex monitor each tank twice a day to for white and red wine? and there is a lovely We spoke to New Hall Vineyard, than you might think. The first step ensure the yeasts are behaving Red and white grape berries the first established vineyard in is sampling, which involves taking themselves and to adjust their selection of vineyards destined for white wines are Essex, to find out more about a cross section of berries from environment accordingly. picked and whole bunch pressed dotted across the how our coastal county is suited each of our plantations every few simultaneously to reduce contact to viticulture. days from mid-august. The juice After fermentation, each tank county, from the is analysed in the lab for natural of wine undergoes a process of between juice and skins. Mr and Mrs Greenwood sugar and acidity. Multiple factors stabilisation and filtration which is sunny Crouch Valley However, for red wines, the pioneered the East Anglian need to be considered, such as the a lengthy process but an essential From pressing to red berries are crushed and to the outskirts vineyard movement in 1969 berries’ mouthfeel, skin and seed one. This process will ensure that bottling destemmed first prior to pressing, by establishing New Hall colours and textures and the taste the wine remains bright, clear and and the juice macerates in the skins of Braintree. Vineyard when there were no of the juice. The berries will visually stable in the bottle. New Hall wines are all produced on to extract colour and phenolics. others in Essex. Mr Greenwood give you clues as to when they site in their 250,000-litre capacity Three months later, blending Maceration may take days, or even was a farmer, hence he are ripe. winery. From the time that the trials begin to take stock of all the weeks, depending on the style of quickly realised that from grapes are pressed to just before Based on this information, a wine in the tanks and see how red wine. They also require warmer an agricultural perspective, the wine is bottled, each litre will plan for ideal harvest dates can each varietal has changed and temperatures during fermentation the microclimate had great go through a very complex and be formed to ensure that each developed. Growing more grape and can benefit from a secondary potential for viticulture. interesting journey around the plantation of fruit is picked at varietals gives more freedom in type of fermentation called winery. The process from berry New Hall, along with other optimal ripeness and quality. The the winery to create malolactic fermentation (MLF). MLF to bottle takes around eight renowned vineyards in the short-term weather forecast also different combinations. softens the natural acids in wines months for a vintage still wine, Crouch Valley, enjoy a unique needs to be constantly monitored. and can improve the mouthfeel. and a minimum of 17 months for a microclimate aided by a Traditional Method Sparkling Wine. combination of low rainfall, New Hall Vineyard has 14 different grape varietals on site, spanning a temperate growing season Once fruit has been weighed, it is over 30 different plantations, New Hall (Credit Visit Essex) and ideal growing degree days whole-bunch pressed and then so harvest logistics can be a tempered by the neighbouring transferred into a temperature- complex process and it requires River Crouch and Blackwater. controlled stainless-steel tank to constant communication between The risk of frost is very low, and settle naturally overnight. Natural the Vineyard Manager the dry, warm season allows a grape solids settle via gravity, and and Winemakers. steady accumulation of sugars the clear juice can then be ‘racked’ and flavours to develop in into a fresh tank. The juice is then aromatic varieties. inoculated with a specific yeast culture and nutrients if needed. Nurturing the yeast culture is a vital part of the process; it is the population of growing yeast cells that will work their magic on aroma and flavour pre-cursors in the juice, and as a biproduct produce the
AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 27 26 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 New Hall (Credit Visit Essex) LIFESTYLE
As a winemaker, what wine and food pairings would you consider to be a match made in heaven? Some classic wine and food pairings are: Bacchus: a medium dry white wine - with smoked food. Signature: a dry white wine - with aromatic Thai dishes. Bacchus Fume: a dry white wine - with a good mature English cheddar and fruity chutney. Pinot noir: a red wine - with herby roasted winter veg. Huxelrebe: a zesty, dry white wine - served with a shared board of salted nuts, dips, salted crackers, crudités and olives. DID YOU KNOW? What factors affect the • It takes roughly one kilogram of grapes to produce a bottle of still quality of your harvest? What are New Hall’s wine –that’s around five or six large bunches. Looking after the vines throughout Weather bestselling wines? • Vines have a relatively long lifespan and can produce excellent the year yields of great quality grapes for over 35-years. The older vines New Hall produces red, rosé, white The weather plays a huge role in Viticulture requires working have a wonderfully gnarly appearance. the size of the crop. Interestingly, and sparkling wine - something for constantly throughout the growing everyone. Their classic bestselling • Essex has been recognised as a successful grape-growing site while the vines are flowering in season to ensure the vines’ the current growing season, they wines include Bacchus, Barons for centuries. Vines have been planted in Purleigh since the best qualities are maximised Red, English Rose and Signature. 12th Century. will simultaneously be forming to produce a high-quality crop. fruit inside dormant buds for the You may already be familiar with Each varietal has its own quirks New Hall wines as they are sold • Essex has more vineyards in its micro-region than any other region following season. Good spring and characteristics which must in the UK, and this number is set to keep on increasing. weather at flowering means that in many city restaurants, cafes, be considered when undertaking wedding venues, global cruise the dormant buds will be forming activities such as winter pruning. • The process from berry to bottle takes around eight months for a minute inflorescence (flower liners, hotels, independent retail vintage still wine, and a minimum of 17 months for a Traditional The key to successful commercial outlets and local pubs and eateries. primordia) and consequently a grape-production is encouraging the Method Sparkling Wine. good potential crop; whereas vine to reach balanced vegetative Look out for New Hall’s range of unfavourable weather will and reproductive growth; i.e. the limited edition wines, launched encourage leaves and tendrils to perfect ratio between leaves, shoots to celebrate the businesses fifth form instead. and fruit, and equally, quality decade of wine production. Fortunately, East Anglia is blessed and quantity. with a low rainfall and rarely If a vine was left unattended, its experiences frost damage. Our instinct would be to simply grow Images courtesy of New Hall region here is rich with grape larger, taller and produce the Vineyard and Visit Essex. growers who all enjoy a matrix of least fruit possible to reproduce. conditions which enable a long, Therefore, its key to use a temperate growing season for combination of trellis systems, If you would like to buy aromatic grape varieties. Essex carefully considered planting some New Hall wines, vineyards tend to start their harvest densities, pruning methods and soil visit the online shop: a good few weeks before other wine treatments to achieve balance. Care www.newhallwines.co.uk regions; this is a combination of the should be taken to avoid minimal Free delivery on orders over early-ripening varieties of grape and damage from pests and diseases. warm microclimate. £60 and 10% off orders of 12 bottles or more. New Hall (Credit Visit Essex) 28 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 29 LIFESTYLE Get going in the garden
Cutting, pruning and prepping is the key to getting going in the garden during the winter months. Here we meet Rebecca Ashbey, Head Gardener at Cressing Temple Barns, who explains why the Tudor garden at Cressing is so special. Rebecca also offers some green-fingered top-tips to make your garden look blooming lovely come the spring and summer months.
he Cressing Temple Other plants within the Tudor The Cressing Temple Barns garden TBarns garden is laid out garden are Nettles (Urtica dioica), reflects a time when people lived according to the way the which were a valuable source in harmony with the natural world, of vitamins and protein in the understood it and depended plants were used in the spring months and could be made upon it for their everyday needs past. It features a medicinal into fibre and cloth, Soapwort and their livelihoods. In these border full of healing (Saponaria officinalis), which challenging modern times, there For more information about the Tudor garden and Cressing Temple Barns, please visit our website. plants - such as Mandrake was used to clean the dirt out of is much we can learn from their (Mandragora officinalis) wool fleeces before spinning, and way of life. Woad (Isatis tinctoria), which was which was used as an the main plant to make a blue anaesthetic and pain killer - coloured dye. “Gardening is a great way as well as plants that could to keep fit, I use it as my At Cressing, we garden using be added to pottage and organic principles that were used gym and daily workout, soups, a strewing garden during Tudor times. Because of this and just being outside in full of aromatic herbs that the garden is a haven for wildlife, the fresh air and close to with bees and other insects were once used to freshen plants and wildlife can lift the house and a dye garden feasting on the nectar and pollen provided by our wildflowers in the your spirits. where the plants flowery meadow. were used to make I never feel happier than colourful dyes. The birds love the orchard fruit and sparrows can always be heard when I’m in the garden, twittering in the hawthorn hedge especially at Cressing at sunset. It is a very peaceful Temple Barns, which has place to wander or just to sit and relax, listening to the bubbling a beautiful Tudor walled water in the fountain and the garden full of herbs, birds singing. wildflowers and plants that Open spaces at Cressing are would have been common still open. Follow government th Rebecca Ashbey, Head Gardener at Cressing in the 16 century.” guidelines when you visit. Temple Barns
30 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 31 LIFESTYLE
TOP TIPS
• Don’t try to do too much at once. Little and often • Plants in containers are great for small gardens is better than a marathon gardening stint and but you need to care for them, so don’t plant more then nothing for months. Getting one or two than you have time for. Watering, feeding, things right will give you a lot of confidence. re-potting takes time and effort. Remember, container plants are totally reliant on you, they • ‘Right plant, right place’ is a good gardening motto can be rewarding but don’t think of them as an to follow. Labels state the best place to plant as easy option. well as its size. Read gardening books and websites for advice or ask the gardeners or • Make your garden or plot your own and put your volunteers at Cressing Temple. character into it. Plant what you like to look at, what you like to eat and make it how you want • Remember, new plants need regular watering. it to look. There is no right or wrong type of garden Many plants fail because they weren’t watered - express yourself and be creative. enough in the first few eeksw which can make it difficult to recover them. • Think ahead for the next season. Pruning fruit trees in winter will give you a better crop in the • Try to plant something for every season. Don’t just summer and autumn. During spring, stake your plant summer flowering flora as you’ll have plants so they’re firm when they bloom in summer. nothing to look at for the rest of the year. • Finally, help the wildlife in your garden. Leaves • Be patient and see it as a voyage of discovery. under bushes and hedges, old stems of perennial Find what plants you like, what you are successful plants and a few piles of sticks provide a refuge with and what gives you the most pleasure. for insects to overwinter. Leave seed heads on flowering plants as they’re a valuable food source The open spaces including the restored Tudor for birds. Make sure there’s a source of fresh water • Think long-term with perennials, shrubs and Walled Garden at Cressing Temple Barns are open. trees. Bedding plants give you a riot of colour, but - ponds are great but a bird bath or a shallow you have to plant them every year and it can bowl of fresh water can be just as good for birds Follow government guidelines and plan your become expensive. A hardy perennial plant or and mammals during winter. Also, consider visit in advance: Indoor spaces including the barns shrub will be with you for years. making, or buying, an insect hotel, hedgehog box and Tiptree tea rooms are closed during lockdown. or roosting box for wildlife to shelter in during winter, Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, see overleaf on how to make a bug hotel and basic Braintree, Cressing, CM77 8PD bird bath.
32 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 3333 LIFESTYLE Recipes and Cookery Cookery Books Mouth-watering, tempting and delicious, these new Get Cooking books are the perfect way to cook up a storm in your kitchen this season. Ingredients How to make Templar Cheese 200g Scones by Tiptree Tea Self-Raising Flour 500g Cook, Eat, Repeat Nadiya Bakes Ottolenghi FLAVOUR Pinch of Salt Rooms by Nigella Lawson by Nadia Hussain by Yotam Ottolenghi Margarine 110g Hardback, Baking Powder 11g 3 September Hardback, Hardback, Milk (to add) 2020, Michael 3 September 29 October 2020, This recipe from Tiptree Tea Egg 1 Chatto Joseph 2020, Rooms is inspired by the Knights £22 rrp Ebury Press, Tiptree Wholegrain Mustard 38g & Windus, Templar history at Cressing Temple £26 rrp £27 rrp Barns, where you can find The Tiptree Hot Gooseberry Barns Tea Room. Chutney 38g Granted to the Knights Templar Plain Flour for dusting in 1137, Cressing Temple Barns is of significant historic interest for its unique buildings and garden. Cook, Eat, Repeat is a delicious and You’ll probably know Nadiya Hussain Flavour-forward, vegetable-based Internationally renowned for its Method delightful combination of recipes, as the winner of the sixth series recipes are at the heart of Yotam impressive and remarkably well- Pre-heat the oven at 220 degrees. Line baking tray with greaseproof intertwined with narrative essays of “The Great British Bake Off”. Since Ottolenghi’s food. preserved medieval carpentry, paper and then place scones on the about food. With 150 new recipes winning, Nadiya has presented the the barns provide a remarkable Sieve flour, salt and baking powder: tray. Then brush with egg or a and Nigella’s trademark warmth and BBC documentaries “The Chronicles of In this beautiful new cookbook insight into the building techniques add margarine then rub together until little milk. wisdom, food readers will want to Nadiya, Nadiya’s British Food Adventure Yotam and co-writer Ixta Belfrage mixture resembles breadcrumbs. break down the three factors that of the time and a glimpse into Sprinkle your remaining cheese on top return to it again and again. and Nadiya’s Family Favourites.” Now create flavour and offer innovative the lives of the people who built Add one egg, Tiptree Wholegrain of each scone. this book takes her back to her first them. The Grade I listed Barley and Mustard and cheese, mix well Chapters include ‘A is for Anchovy’ love of baking and contains all the vegetable dishes that deliver Wheat Barns are the oldest known (leave enough cheese to sprinkle Place in oven and set timer for (a celebration of the bacon of the recipes from her BBC Two series of brand-new ingredient combinations timber framed barns in Europe on the top of your scones). six minutes. sea), ‘Rhubarb’, ‘A Loving Defence the same name. to excite and inspire. and amongst the few remaining of Brown Food’, a suitably expansive Make a well in the middle; gradually After timer sounds, remove from oven Ottolenghi FLAVOUR combines Templar buildings in England. chapter devoted to family dinners, ‘Let Nadiya fill your kitchen with pure add milk and fold into a form of good and turn the oven down to simple recipes for weeknights, 160 degrees. plus inspiration for vegan feasts, joy’ Woman & Home consistency, not too dry or too wet. solo suppers and new ideas low-effort high-impact dishes, Start with a spoon and then fold in Rotate tray and bake for six minutes. for Christmas. Conquer cakes, biscuits, traybakes, and standout meals for the relaxed with your hands. tarts and pies, showstopping cook. Packed with signature Remove from oven, allow scones to It includes recipes for all seasons desserts, breads, savoury bakes, and colourful photography, FLAVOUR Sprinkle flour onto a dry, cold side cool on a rack and then serve with and tastes: Burnt Onion and even ‘no-bake’ bakes - all with her not only inspires us with what to and onto your rolling pin. Roll until no Tiptree Hot Gooseberry Chutney. taller than your scone cutter. Aubergine Dip; Butternut with signature mouth-watering twists. cook, but how flavour is dialled up Beetroot, Chilli and Ginger Sauce; and why it works. Dip your scone cutter into the flour to Brown Butter Colcannon; Spaghetti Some of Nadiya’s deliciously easy stop from sticking to mixture. Cut out with Chard and Anchovies; Chicken recipes you can achieve at Buy from Waterstones.com or your your scones, trying not to twist as you with Garlic Cream Sauce; Beef home include: local independent bookseller. pull out the cutter. Re-roll the offcuts Cheeks with Port and Chestnuts; and · Pink Peppercorn Pithivier and repeat. Wide Noodles with Lamb in Aromatic · Peppercorn Pull Apart Bread Broth, to name a few. Those with a · Teriyaki Chicken Baked Noodles sweet tooth will delight in Rhubarb · Tomato Galette and Custard Trifle; Chocolate Peanut · Money Can’t Buy You Happiness Butter Cake; Rice Pudding Cake and Brownies Cherry and Almond Crumble. · Mango and Coconut Cake Buy from Waterstones.com or your . . . and much, much more. local independent bookseller . Buy from Waterstones.com or Also on BBC Two this winter. your local independent bookseller.
34 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 35 LIFESTYLE Explore Essex Discover hot new publications, recommended NON-FICTION reads and word-of-mouth bestsellers –the Discover how fungi are shaping our future, why Essex Girls should be celebrated and revel in our best books to pick up and settle down with natural world with our winter non-fiction picks. Winter this season when you’ve had your fill of fresh air and exercise, as picked by the Explore Reads Essex team. Essex Girls My Garden World: by Sarah Perry (New HB) the natural year by Monty Don
No Mercy The bestselling author of The My Garden World by Hardback, 17 September Essex Serpent, Sarah Perry, Monty Don is a FICTION by Martina Cole 2020, Paperback, returns with her first non- celebration of every Cosy up with some criminally good reads. There are 25 June 2020 fiction publication. In this living creature that we £20.00 lots of big publications available, but here are our It wouldn’t be £8.99 book she sets out to explore, Hardback, all share. 1 October 2020 top three . . . autumn without defend and celebrate the a Martina Cole novel, but ‘Essex Girl’. £7.99 THE SUNDAY TIMES unfortunately her new BESTSELLER The Thursday book has been delayed so Essex Girls are disreputable, disrespectful and ‘From a very early age I we’re including this year’s spirits, from Murder Club disobedient. loved the countryside as unputdownable paperback Protestant martyr Rose notebooks Hardback, much as any garden and by Richard Osman in our top picks instead. Once he’s proved he They speak out of turn, Allin to the indomitable and journals ever since 3 September 2020 was fascinated by the life I could write and I have Family always come first. has the brains to run their too loudly and too often, Abolitionist Anne Knight, £14.99 that I saw all around me drawn upon these as well as ‘So smart and Until now. clubs in Marbella, he is given in an accent irritating to sitting alongside them from trees, wildflowers, what he’s always wanted. the ruling classes. Audre Lorde, Kim Kardashian the events of the past year.’ funny. Deplorably Diana Davis has been head birds, insects and mammals. It’s the beginning of a reign and Harriet Martineau, Buy from Waterstones.com of the family business since Their bodies are hyper- In a sense this book has good’ IAN RANKIN of terror that knows and showing us that the or your local the death of her husband, an sexualised and been over sixty years in no bounds . . . Essex girl is not bound independent bookshop. The first novel by TV infamous bank robber. She’s irredeemably vulgar. gestation. I have kept by geography. She is a presenter Richard Osman a woman in a man’s world, ‘She’s a total (co-presenter of of BBC but no one messes with her. They are given to intricate type, representing a very one-off’ Guardian and voluble squabbling. particular kind of female One’s Pointless). Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Her only son, Angus, is a Buy from Waterstones.com agency, and a very particular In a peaceful retirement Ron might be pushing eighty natural born villain, but he They do not apologise Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our or your local kind of disdain: she contains village, four unlikely friends but they still have a few tricks needs to earn Diana’s trust for any of this. And why Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures independent bookshop. a multitude of women, meet up once a week to up their sleeves. should they? before she’ll allow and it is time to celebrate by Merlin Sheldrake investigate unsolved murders. him into the business. Can our unorthodox but In this exhilarating feminist them. (Official But when a brutal killing brilliant gang catch the Hardback, defence of the Essex girl, publisher description). ‘One of those rare books that can 3 September 2020 takes place on their very killer before it’s too late? Sarah Perry re-examines her truly change the way you see the doorstep, the Thursday Buy from Waterstones.com £20.00 Buy from Waterstones.com relationship with her often or your local world around you, Entangled Murder Club find themselves or your local KIDS AND ALL THE FAMILY maligned home county. She independent bookshop. Life is a mercurial, revelatory, in the middle of their first independent bookshop. live case. summons its most unquiet impassioned, urgent, astounding, and necessary read. It’s fearless The Christmasaurus and the Winter in scope, analytically astute, and by Tom Fletcher COMPETITION brimming with infectious joy’ Troubled Blood Witch Helen Macdonald, author by Robert Galbraith The magical and Paperback, of H is for Hawk 29 October 2020 heartwarming sequel to WIN a signed copy of Essex Girls The more we learn about Web’, is transforming The fifth novel in the £6.99 the way we understand Hardback, Tom Fletcher’s bestselling, by Sarah Perry and T-shirt bundle, fungi, the less makes sense acclaimed and bestselling 15 September The Christmasaurus. without them. ecosystems. Yet over ninety series starring private 2020 we’ve got two sets to give away. percent of their species detective Strike and his One year has passed since William In giving us bread, alcohol remain undocumented. £20.00 To be in with a chance of winning send your answer sidekick Robin Ellacott Trundle’s incredible adventure with and life-saving medicines, by Robert Galbraith – J. Entangled Life is a mind- the most extraordinary dinosaur: (one entry per person) to the question below by emailing fungi have shaped human K. Rowling’s crime writing altering journey into a the Christmasaurus. Now, William [email protected]. Title your email history, and their psychedelic pseudonym. spectacular and neglected is swept back to the magical North with the competition name. properties have recently world and shows that You’ll recognise these much- Pole, where he meets the mysterious been shown to alleviate a ‘The work of a fungi provide a key to loved characters from the icy Winter Witch - whose power to control time For competition closing dates and full terms and number of mental illnesses. understanding both the recent series, Lethal White, master storyteller.’ allows Santa Claus to make the long journey all around the conditions visit the Explore Essex website. Their ability to digest plastic, on BBC One. planet on which we live, and world every Christmas Eve. explosives, pesticides The Daily Telegraph life itself. Strike has never tackled a Q: What was the title of Sarah Perry’s bestselling and crude oil is being cold case before, let alone Buy from Waterstones.com And when they learn that the fate of Christmas itself hangs debut novel? harnessed in break-through Buy from Waterstones.com one forty years old. But or your local in the balance, William and the Christmasaurus must work a. The Essex Dragon technologies, and the or your local independent bookshop. with the Winter Witch to protect it... despite the slim chance of b. The Essex Serpent discovery that they connect independent bookshop. success, he is intrigued and Buy from Waterstones.com c. The Essex Snake plants in underground takes it on . . . or your local independent bookshop. networks, the ‘Wood Wide
36 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 37 DAYS OUT/THINGS TO DO
Get wild and
give nature To build your bug hotel Build a start by: Bug hotel • Choosing a suitable site – ideally it should be on firm and flat a home Did you know that 98% of ground. The basic structure needs all animals alive today are to be strong and stable and no invertebrates (animals without a more than a metre high. Of backbone) and the vast majority course, as its your bug hotel you of these are insects? Insects can make one large structure or perform a variety of fundamental lots of smaller ones roles, including pollination, decomposition and providing food • Lay some bricks or tiles on the Build a for other animals. Sadly though, ground. Leave some space their numbers are declining at an between them and try to create alarming rate, but you can help by an H-shape. bird bath building a bug hotel. Even through the winter birds • Now add your pallets or branches and mammals still need access Building a bug hotel is a great way and place them on top of the to water so make this simple to keep your children entertained bricks. Remember the more space bird bath and help out our and interested in nature and it’s a you leave underneath the more feathered and furry friends. likely you’ll attract hedgehogs. simple and fun way to attract more All you need is a shallow insects and wildlife to your garden. watertight bowl and before All you need is a few hours and: • Fill in the gaps with bark, twigs, sticks, sand or soil. The more you know it you’ll have new • Old wooden pallets or strips nooks and crannies of different visitors to your garden. sizes you add, the more diverse of wood Take your watertight bowl, the wildlife you’ll attract. 1 add some stones and • Twigs, straw, moss or dry leaves For insects add dead wood and gravel to the bottom of it loose bark, dry leaves and sticks • Old roof tiles or old terracotta pots (it doesn’t have to be much). for lady birds and large holes, • Bricks, ideally these should have tiles and stones for frogs Place some bricks, or air holes and toads. 2 whatever you have and/or can find, to raise it off the • Finally, when you think it’s high Not only do bird baths, • Bamboo canes (ideally hollow) ground. enough - add a roof. Place some bird feeders and bug • Bark, sand, soil and any other old tiles or wooden planks on top Add some clean, fresh hotels encourage wildlife natural materials you can find and cover it with earth. Now all 3 water and you’ve created into your garden they’re (e.g. pinecones, twigs, sticks etc.) you have left to do is name your a basic bird bath. Now bug hotel! also great for getting sit back and watch your flapping friends frolic to your young ones their hearts content. interested in nature. It doesn’t matter if your garden is large or small as there are many ways to get birds and insects to visit. Read on to find If you make either of these then we’d love to see your efforts. Simply, take a picture and send it to [email protected] out more. and we’ll post them on our social media channels.
38 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 39 DAYS OUT/THINGS TO DO DAYS OUT
Get out and get active on the Flitch Way this winter Enjoy 15 miles of flat, traffic free, beautiful Essex countryside following The Flitch Way - a former railway line from Braintree to Bishops Stortford this winter. It’s perfect for walking, cycling (as it’s on the National Cycle Network Route 16) and horse riding for all age groups and family members.
Starting from Braintree train station car park, the route follows the old railway line and after two miles you’ll find The Booking Hall Café. Here you can indulge in ideal for whatever kind of bike you some delicious sweet treats and and your family members have, savoury snacks in the former Rayne but it can get muddy just before railway station which was built in you reach Little Dunmow and 1866. After, and if you feel like it, Great Dunmow, especially after you can divert off the Flitch Way bad weather. Of course, if 15 miles and explore Great Notley Country Park and discover its lakes and When you reach Great Dunmow, is too long you can woodland trail. follow the signs which route you through the town before finding always break the Flitch yourself on its outskirts and back Way down into more into the countryside. From here you’ll go past the village of Takeley manageable chunks. and skirt along Hatfield Forest and This leafy, traffic-free route starts London Stansted Airport before at Braintree train station before crossing the M11. winding its way through the Essex Continue for approximately two to countryside to the towns of Great three miles and you’ll find yourself Why is it called the Dunmow and Bishops Stortford. approaching the outer suburbs of The Braintree to Bishops Stortford Bishops Stortford via a lovely tree Flitch Way? railway line was decommissioned lined avenue along the former in 1972, but it’s enjoyed a new railway line before reaching the The Braintree to Bishops Stortford railway lease of life as an attractive end of The Flitch Way. line was known as ‘The Flitch Way’ due to the walking, running, cycling and After leaving the café, head west Dunmow Flitch Trials which are still held in horse riding destination due to its and continue along the former Great Dunmow every four years. The Trials are flat nature, the rich wildlife and railway line towards and past where a married couple stand before a mock attractive Victorian bridges and Felstead and enjoy the peace court and have to prove to the judge and jury stations you see along the way. and solitude as you make your that they haven’t ‘wished themselves unwed’ way through some glorious Please follow government and if they are successful they receive half-a- Essex countryside and sheltered guidelines when you visit. pig known as a ‘flitch’ or side of bacon. woodland for 7.5 miles. The route The Booking Hall Cafe is mainly on cinder tracks so it’s at Rayne is open for takeaways
40 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 41 Get ready to Stop.Swap.GO! BRILLIANTLY Challenge yourself to make small changes to the way you travel, every day. Plus, there’s the chance BRITISH to win vouchers every single week. So what are you waiting for? STAYCATION
Throw everything in the car and explore the SIGN UP to the wonders here on our doorstep. Sea, shopping and 60 Day Challenge sightseeing are all within easy reach of Colchester, and Wivenhoe House is ideally located for a relaxing A sustainable travel getaway. Whether you are a couple searching for a 60 Day Challenge Benefits to active travel romantic getaway or a family seeking an ultimate campaign aiming to make adventure, we have something to offer. it easier for people in Essex Participants are encouraged to get Throughout the summer, Stop. to switch from cars to out and about by joining the 60 Day Swap.GO! have used social media Challenge where they complete to motivate Essex to move and sustainable travel options, daily walking or cycle tasks on an app. What’s included: such as walking, cycling have shared a range of information to help people and families make and using the bus, was more informed choices. Four nights stay in one of our stunning Rooms launched in the summer. Full English breakfast each morning Stop. Swap. GO! is led by As well as the better known benefits to heart health and Children stay on a complimentary bed and Essex County Council, and cholesterol levels, the campaign is aimed at children, young breakfast basis – they will also eat free of Pay for has also shared the benefits to charge from our children’s menu when adults three nights mental health and the impacts people and all adults living dine in our brasserie for lunch or dinner and get the and working across the regular exercise can have on the mental health of young people. Late checkout of 12 noon fourth FREE county. The project features The challenge has been a big step content across the official in helping many swap to more 60 Day Challenge participants Contact us for pricing and further information Stop.Swap.GO! website and sustainable modes of travel. More have also been forthcoming about (upgrades available at a supplement) social media channels. and more people are joining the sharing their experiences of the joy challenge and ditching the car of walking and cycling with a clear For those travelling to school or when completing shorter, localised trend towards the beauty of nature, college there are now a range of journeys. It has been encouraging having time to think clearly, getting maps on the website highlighting to witness the enthusiasm with to know the local neighbourhood BOOK NOW walking and cycling routes. which the challenge has been and discovering wild blackberries. Please note due to the Covid-19 crisis These are helpful to avoid traffic embraced and Stop.Swap.GO! will we are now offering a ‘no cancellation fee’ congestion at the gates and be encouraging more people to join Essex Country Parks are great so you can book with confidence includes ‘drive and drop’ zones throughout the autumn and winter. places to get out and about with to keep cars away from the most all the family. From park trails to To help incentivise more active Call us on 01206 863 666 built up areas. coastal walks, there is a wealth travel there are weekly of options to choose from on Email [email protected] prize draws. Already the Explore Essex website. We’re Available from 13th July 2020 48 lucky winners always interested to know what until 31st March 2021 have won their choice you discover while out on a new of Amazon or Love walk or cycle so let us know on the Wivenhoe House Hotel is temporarily to Shop vouchers Stop.Swap.GO! social Terms and conditions Rate based on two adults in a Classic Room, upgrades available at a supplement, closed during national lockdown. so far. In addition, there are also media channels. no single occupancy rate available; A 25% discount will be added to each night of your stay, resulting in one night free; Families will require a Deluxe or Luxury Room Check their website for updates. occasional promotions encouraging to accommodate Children; Children dine complimentary when two adults have Like follow and share the Stop. a minimum of 2 courses each; 0-12 years of age is considered to be a child; Late everyone from young to old to get checkout is subject to availability; Available from 13th July 2020 until 31st March out and about without their car. Swap.GO! updates on Facebook, 2021, except selected key dates e.g. Christmas, New Years, Valentines etc; Subject Instagram and Twitter. to availability, (exclusions apply).
42 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 43 The Barns Tea Room is closed during lockdown.
You’re closer to a Tiptree cream tea than you think
Visit the Barns tea room and enjoy a special Tiptree cream tea after a stroll around the outstanding barns and gardens. The tea room offers a wide range of home-made meals, made with fresh and tempting ingredients, perfect to unwind and indulge.
The Barns Tea Room, Cressing Temple, Witham Road, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8PD. 01376 585081 [email protected] TEA ROOMS tiptree.com