Clay Wood

Wood, Forest in Essex Uttlesford

England

Clay Wood

Thatched Cottages, Radwinter With signature hare finials — Thatched Cottages, Radwinter Credit: Chris Morgan

Clay Wood is a small area located in Essex, England, known for its dense forest and natural beauty. The wood is predominantly made up of oak, beech, and ash trees, creating a lush and diverse ecosystem. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and birdwatchers, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The wood is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, rabbits, and a wide range of bird species. Visitors may also come across rare plants and fungi as they explore the winding trails and pathways that crisscross the area.

Clay Wood is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust, which works to preserve and protect the natural environment for future generations to enjoy. The Trust also organizes educational programs and events to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and biodiversity.

In addition to its natural beauty, Clay Wood also has historical significance, with remnants of ancient settlements and archaeological sites scattered throughout the area. Overall, Clay Wood is a hidden gem in Essex, offering a tranquil escape into nature for all who visit.

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Clay Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.000905/0.35849097 or Grid Reference TL6136. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Thatched Cottages, Radwinter

With signature hare finials

Chris Morgan

St Mary's church, Radwinter

Chris Morgan

Old Post Office, Radwinter

Also the Village Hall

Chris Morgan

Radwinter post office

This typical Essex building also houses the village hall. The school can be seen in the background, on the right.

David Gruar

St Mary's church, Radwinter

View of the south side showing the fine half-timbered porch.

David Gruar

Farm track near Radwinter

The track comes from Hill Farm, on the B1053 at TL617371, giving access to several fields. Not marked on the 1940s map.

David Gruar

WW2 pillbox near Wimbish Green

Situated on a small ridge with a good view over the surrounding countryside on two sides, this pillbox was no doubt built to guard the flank of TL6134 : Great Stampford Aerodrome.

David Gruar

Houses in Wimbish Green

This part of the hamlet is called Upper Green, as opposed to Lower Green which is by a stream to the south.

David Gruar

Bridge over the River Pant near Radwinter

In this dry, chalky landscape every little trickle seems to be called a river. The bridge, which carries a public footpath and gives access between two fields, is a rather nice brick arch construction.

David Gruar

The Plough Inn, Radwinter

Strategically situated on the crossroads at the edge of the village, this pub serves a wide area of scattered farms and hamlets.

David Gruar

Great Stampford Aerodrome

This bridle path crosses the former Great Stampford Aerodrome. You can see from the picture why this level ground was chosen for an airfield. The runways were made from prefabricated metal tracking so there is no evidence of them now, although the perimeter track is still largely extant. The field was intended as a satellite to RAF Debden but after less than a year's operations Debden was reassigned to the USAAF. The site was then used by the RAF regiment as a training base until 1944. To go to the next field in an alphabetical tour of Essex WW2 airfields click on TQ5384 : Swords into Ploughshares. Much information was gleaned from Graham Smith’s book “Essex Airfields In The Second World War”. Link