The Firs

Wood, Forest in Hertfordshire East Hertfordshire

England

The Firs

Bishop's Stortford from the air Most of the town can be seen in this view from a Birmingham bound flight from Prague. — Bishop's Stortford from the air Credit: Thomas Nugent

The Firs is a woodland area located in Hertfordshire, England. It is known for its picturesque beauty and diverse range of plant and animal species. The woodland covers an area of approximately 100 acres, making it a significant natural resource in the region.

The Firs is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and birch. These trees provide a dense canopy, creating a shaded and tranquil environment. The woodland floor is covered in a thick layer of leaf litter, which supports a variety of small mammals and invertebrates.

Numerous walking trails crisscross The Firs, allowing visitors to explore the woodland and observe its natural wonders. These trails are well-maintained and provide a scenic and peaceful experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Along the trails, there are several designated viewpoints that offer stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

The Firs is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot various species, including woodpeckers, finches, and thrushes. In addition, the woodland is inhabited by foxes, badgers, and deer, providing ample opportunities for wildlife photography and observation.

The woodland is well-preserved and managed by local conservation organizations, ensuring its ecological integrity and sustainability. As a result, The Firs serves as an important habitat for both native and migratory species, contributing to the overall biodiversity of Hertfordshire.

Overall, The Firs in Hertfordshire is a natural gem, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the woodlands and experience the wonders of nature.

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The Firs Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.864772/0.15274644 or Grid Reference TL4820. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bishop's Stortford from the air

Most of the town can be seen in this view from a Birmingham bound flight from Prague.

Thomas Nugent

Glyn Hopkin Nissan, Bishop's Stortford

David Howard

Hadham Road, Bishop's Stortford

David Howard

Hadham Court, Bishop's Stortford

David Howard

Hadham Road, Bishop's Stortford

David Howard

High Street, Bishop's Stortford

These crossroads in the heart of the town are at the eastern end of High Street where it meets (clockwise) North Street, Bridge Street and Market Street. Most of the shops are on Market Street. Finery & Co are independent jewellers with shops in Saffron Walden and here in Bishop's Stortford.

Stephen McKay

Adnams, Bishop's Stortford

Adnams is a long-established brewing company based in Southwold. As well as a significant pub estate it runs a number of retail outlets selling beers, wines, spirits and other products. Most of these shops are in Suffolk and Norfolk but Bishop's Stortford has this one on High Street. The window display looks suitably festive.

Stephen McKay

High Street, Bishop's Stortford

The building on the corner of High Street and Basbow Lane dates from around 1360 with 16th century additions. Slaters a tailor, draper and undertaker was established here in 1601, changing its name to Tissimans in the late 19th century and later Alexandra Wood. It remained a gentleman's outfitters (although the undertaking side of the business evidently disappeared at some point) and claimed to be the oldest men's clothing establishment in the world. The business has now moved and the premises have been taken over by Adnams the Suffolk brewery.

Stephen McKay

St Michael's Churchyard, Bishop's Stortford

The churchyard outside the grade I listed 15th century St Michael's Church faces High Street with the Boar's Head, now a steak restaurant, opposite.

Stephen McKay

The Corn Exchange, Bishop's Stortford

An outsize Santa stands outside the grade II listed Corn Exchange which was built in 1828 to a design by Lewis Vulliamy. As well as a market place for agricultural products it has had various uses over the years including as a synagogue for Jewish refugees evacuated from London during the Second World War. It ceased trading as a corn exchange in 1959 and was threatened with demolition in the 1960s. Today, it houses a restaurant, bar and entertainment venue called 'Host'.

Stephen McKay

River Stort Navigation, Bishop's Stortford

This used to be the main channel of the River Stort through Bishop's Stortford town centre. Today this has been blocked off by the Jackson Square Shopping Centre and the main flow goes under Hockerill Bridge. This short arm allows boats to wind (turn) at the head of navigation.

Stephen McKay

Hockerill Cut, Bishop's Stortford

The Hockerill Cut is the end of navigation on the River Stort. The main channel of the river now flows this way but boats cannot go beyond the bridge.

Stephen McKay

Castle Park, Bishop's Stortford

Children's play equipment at the southern end of the park is seen here on a day that the forecasts had promised would be bright sunshine but in fact the thick cloud cover never lifted.

Stephen McKay

River Stort Navigation, Bishop's Stortford

Downstream of Bishop's Stortford the Stort is a canalised river, part of the Lee & Stort Navigations system giving access to London. The banks here would once have been lined with boatyards and canalside industries, especially maltings. The weather-boarded building is a survivor from those times.

Stephen McKay

Mallard Court, Bishop's Stortford

The octagonal shape of this modern block of flats beside the River Stort is intended as a reminder of the gas holders that once occupied this site.

Stephen McKay

Millennium Bridge, Bishop's Stortford

The Millennium Bridge over the River Stort was completed in 2008. This view shows the ramp provided for wheelchair access but there are steps as a shorter alternative for those able to use them. It connects the new Goodsyard housing development with Southmill Road.

Stephen McKay

Millars Maltings, Bishop's Stortford

The building occupied by the Graham School of Dance is the southernmost of three well-preserved maltings buildings on this site collectively called Millars Maltings (sic) after the original maltster, Joshua Miller. They were constructed between 1843 and 1897 largely to serve London breweries. Today, the complex has found a new purpose, described as 'a vibrant community of residential and commercial tenants'.

Stephen McKay

Millars Three, Bishop's Stortford

This is one of three 19th century maltings buildings on Southmill Road that have been repurposed as 'a vibrant community of residential and commercial tenants'. They are collectively called Millars after the original maltster, Joshua Miller, albeit with a different spelling for some reason. The business in the foreground is the Stortford Phone Surgery offering 'same day phone & tablet repairs' and 'laptop & desktop repairs'. The sign by the door says 'Pop in for a coffee whilst you wait'.

Stephen McKay

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The Firs is located at Grid Ref: TL4820 (Lat: 51.864772, Lng: 0.15274644)

Administrative County: Hertfordshire

District: East Hertfordshire

Police Authority: Hertfordshire