Berwick Wood

Wood, Forest in Essex

England

Berwick Wood

Old Boundary Marker on Kilmartin Way, Hornchurch Air Ministry Boundary Marker against the garden fence of No.87 Wood Lane or the northwest side of the junction with Kilmartin Way, Hornchurch. The Air Ministry existed from 1918 to 1964. RAF Hornchurch closed in 1962.

Milestone Society National ID: EX_AMHORN01em — Old Boundary Marker on Kilmartin Way, Hornchurch Credit: M Bardell

Berwick Wood is a picturesque woodland area located in Essex, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 hectares, it is a tranquil and diverse natural environment that attracts nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The wood is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including ancient oak and beech trees that create a dense canopy, allowing only dappled sunlight to filter through. This creates a unique and enchanting atmosphere for visitors to explore.

Walking through Berwick Wood, one can encounter various wildlife species such as deer, rabbits, and a multitude of bird species. The wood provides a haven for these creatures, offering ample food sources and shelter.

The wood is crisscrossed by well-maintained footpaths, making it easily accessible for walkers and hikers. These paths lead visitors through different sections of the woodland, offering different views and experiences. There are also several designated picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst the peaceful surroundings.

Berwick Wood is not only a natural treasure but also holds historical significance. It is believed that the wood has been in existence for centuries, with mentions of it dating back to medieval times. Its ancient trees and rich biodiversity give it an air of timelessness and make it a valuable asset to both the local community and the wider region.

Overall, Berwick Wood in Essex is a captivating destination for those seeking solace in nature, offering a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural world.

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Berwick Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.533625/0.21900004 or Grid Reference TQ5483. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Boundary Marker on Kilmartin Way, Hornchurch

Air Ministry Boundary Marker against the garden fence of No.87 Wood Lane or the northwest side of the junction with Kilmartin Way, Hornchurch. The Air Ministry existed from 1918 to 1964. RAF Hornchurch closed in 1962. Milestone Society National ID: EX_AMHORN01em

M Bardell

Kent Drive, Hornchurch

Off Suttons Lane.

Richard Vince

Vaughan Avenue, Hornchurch

Off Suttons Lane.

Richard Vince

Gated back lane off Vaughan Avenue, Hornchurch

Richard Vince

South end of Crystal Avenue, Hornchurch

Seen from the north end of Ascot Gardens (the sign on the lamppost on the right marks the boundary), with the end of Vaughan Avenue on the left.

Richard Vince

Winifred Avenue, Hornchurch

Off Crystal Avenue.

Richard Vince

The London Loop

A new footpath, part of the London Loop to the south of the Hornchurch Country Park. Picture was taken looking north.

Glyn Baker

The Road to Hell?

A pub on South End Road serving the residents of the "Airfield Estate". The road to hell was paved with the good intent of Flying Officer Raimund Sanders-Draper an American airman posted to RAF Hornchurch. His exploits were the subject of a Musical Play produced at the Queens Theatre in Hornchurch in 2003. Sanders-Draper was killed in 1943 during a crash landing, he stayed with his stricken aircraft so he could avoid crashing into the local school, he had sufficient height to bail out but chose to save the children. The school in Suttons Lane was renamed Sanders-Draper in his honour.

Glyn Baker

Swords into Ploughshares

One of the few parts of the old RAF Hornchurch that have survived. The concrete aircraft dispersal is surrounded with an air raid shelter in the blast protection mound, is now used as a car park for the country park. RAF Hornchurch opened in 1917 as Suttons Farm but closed at the end of WW1. A new station was opened in 1928. Spitfires from Hornchurch took part in the infamous Battle of Barking Creek in late 1939 when two Hurricanes from RAF North Weald were shot down, one of the pilots was killed Link

. Hornchurch was a one of the most important of 11 Group's Sector stations during the Battle of Britain. It remained an RAF fighter station until spring of 1945. From 1952-62 it was the Aircrew selection centre it finally closed in 1963. Much of the airfield was built over but there are some relics in the country park. You can see some unusual airfield defences at TQ5384 : Tett Turrets. To go to the next field in an alphabetical tour of Essex WW2 airfields click on TL5543 : RAF Little Walden. Much information was gleaned from Graham Smith’s book “Essex Airfields In The Second World Link

Glyn Baker

Jewish Cemetery Rainham

The cemetery is located on Upminster Rd North. See inside at TQ5482 : "House of the Living"

Glyn Baker

Berwick Pond

Yet another pleasant patch of water with private fishing rights, unsurprisingly on Berwick Pond Lane! Picture was taken from the road that divides the pond looking east.

Glyn Baker

For The Brylcreem Boys

This memorial is in the grounds of a primary school named after the chief designer of the Spitfire, R.J Mitchell. It reads "Site of RAF Hornchurch sector airfield for No 11 Group. To all aircrew & ground personnel who served here 1928-1962". Some of the famous names who served here include Douglas Bader, Bob Stanford Tuck and A.G "Sailor" Malan.

Glyn Baker

Malan Square South Hornchurch

Low rise social housing built around a green, a large portion of which is now a car park.

Glyn Baker

St George's Hospital

St George's is now part of Havering Hospitals NHS Trust which was established in 1993. The North East London Strategic Health Authority is considering closing the hospital. The property developers must be drooling at the prospect of a brown-field site surrounded on two sides by countryside!

Glyn Baker