Debden Slade

Wood, Forest in Essex Epping Forest

England

Debden Slade

The Owl public house, Loughton Visited during a walk in Epping Forest. A nice setting and fine inside but not the most architecturally distinguished building. — The Owl public house, Loughton Credit: Chris Allen

Debden Slade is a wooded area located in the county of Essex, England. Situated within Epping Forest, it is known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. The slade, which refers to a narrow valley or glen, is surrounded by dense woodlands, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The woodland in Debden Slade is predominantly made up of oak, beech, and birch trees, creating a picturesque landscape that changes with the seasons. The forest floor is covered in a thick carpet of moss, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to the area's charm and biodiversity. The rich ecosystem provides a habitat for various species of birds, mammals, and insects, making it an ideal destination for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

Trails and footpaths crisscross the area, inviting visitors to explore the surroundings and enjoy the tranquility of the forest. As part of Epping Forest, Debden Slade is managed by the City of London Corporation, ensuring its preservation and protection for future generations to enjoy.

Debden Slade also holds historical significance, as it was once part of the ancient woodland that covered a significant portion of Essex. The area has witnessed centuries of human presence and activity, with archaeological evidence suggesting that it has been inhabited since at least the Neolithic period. Today, remnants of historic features, such as old boundary markers and ancient trees, can still be found within the slade, adding to its cultural value.

Overall, Debden Slade is a cherished natural gem in Essex, offering a tranquil escape and an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of a thriving woodland ecosystem.

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Debden Slade Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.654721/0.047893572 or Grid Reference TQ4197. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Owl public house, Loughton

Visited during a walk in Epping Forest. A nice setting and fine inside but not the most architecturally distinguished building.

Chris Allen

Horse paddock, High Beach

Looking down off the Epping Forest ridge into the Lea valley

Stephen Dawson

High Beach Church

High Beach Church in Epping Forest.

Alan Fleming

Epping Forest From Baldwins Hill

Within the M25!

tim

Bench in Epping Forest from Baldwins Hill

tim

House restoration, Baldwins Hill

This building has been painted white but it has been removed to reveal interesting brickwork detail.

tim

Loughton Library

Near to the library, there is a swimming pool, playground, car park and High Street.

Eleanor Dann

The Robin Hood

The Robin Hood roundabout is a major landmark on the Epping New Road, which runs through Epping Forest. For motorists (at least), this might be considered the centre point of the forest.

Eleanor Dann

Earl's Path Pond

This pond is the remains of 19th Century gravel workings. It is beside the Earl's Path and the Three Forests Way. The larger pond further South at Strawberry Hill is more attractive and is surrounded by woodland. Much of the woodland here is not "ancient", but has recovered after clearances.

Eleanor Dann

Qvist's Oak on Warren Hill

There are some fine, ancient pollarded oaks here. This is a high point on the Three Forests Way.

Eleanor Dann

Old oak pollard on Warren Hill

This is close to Qvist's oak. There are many other strange looking old pollards nearby.

Andrew Dann

Double decker bus on the High Road

Taken at the junction with Ollards Grove and Old Station Rd. There are some good examples of suburban architecture nearby, but this part of the High Rd is not very attractive.

Andrew Dann

Epping Forest near Wake Valley Pond

The tall old beech pollard is typical of this part of the forest.

Andrew Dann

Fairmead Bottom

Looking towards Fairmead Pond with the Epping New Road beyond. This area is now grazed by longhorn cattle as part of the Epping Forest management regime.

Andrew Dann

Epping Forest near Rushey Plain hut

Beech and oak are the main trees here. Many of the beeches are old, rather degenerate pollards. The large example here is partly collapsed.

Andrew Dann

Hillyfields

This open space is at the border of Loughton and Debden, in suburbs close to Epping Forest. This area has been planted as a Millennium Remembrance Grove, including exotic trees in memory of those who died in far-flung parts of the world.

Andrew Dann