Boyton Grove

Wood, Forest in Essex Braintree

England

Boyton Grove

RAF Wethersfield Runway This photo was taken whilst parascending along the main runway of RAF Wethersfield Airbase. At that time it was a stores and logistics base for the USAF, the base commander was known to one of our Scout Masters. We used Wethersfield only a couple of times as it was an emergency landing field for Stansted airport. When Stansted radar worked out what the strange echo was we had to find another field. For a little base history see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/221148">TL7134 : Wethersfield Hangars</a>. To go to the next field in an alphabetical tour of Essex WW2 airfields click on <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/251938">TL9230 : Wormingford Airfield</a>. Much information was gleaned from Graham Smith’s book “Essex Airfields In The Second World War”. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Essex_Airfields_in_the_Second_World_War.html?id=u3atAAAACAAJ&amp;redir_esc=y" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Essex_Airfields_in_the_Second_World_War.html?id=u3atAAAACAAJ&amp;redir_esc=y">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — RAF Wethersfield Runway Credit: Glyn Baker

Boyton Grove is a picturesque woodland located in Essex, England. Situated in the heart of the county, this enchanting forest covers an area of approximately 100 acres and is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

The woodland is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, birch, beech, and pine. These towering trees create a dense canopy, offering shade and shelter for a variety of flora and fauna. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of bluebells and wildflowers during the spring, creating a breathtaking sight for visitors.

Boyton Grove is also home to a rich array of wildlife. Deer, foxes, badgers, and squirrels can often be spotted darting through the undergrowth, while a plethora of bird species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes, fill the air with their melodious songs.

The woodland offers a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of the forest at their own pace. These trails wind through ancient trees, over babbling brooks, and past tranquil ponds, providing a serene and peaceful experience.

In addition to its natural beauty, Boyton Grove has historical significance. It is believed that the forest has been in existence for centuries, and remnants of ancient settlements, including stone tools and pottery, have been discovered within its grounds.

Overall, Boyton Grove in Essex is a captivating woodland that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and historical charm make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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Boyton Grove Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.970765/0.48295135 or Grid Reference TL7033. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

RAF Wethersfield Runway

This photo was taken whilst parascending along the main runway of RAF Wethersfield Airbase. At that time it was a stores and logistics base for the USAF, the base commander was known to one of our Scout Masters. We used Wethersfield only a couple of times as it was an emergency landing field for Stansted airport. When Stansted radar worked out what the strange echo was we had to find another field. For a little base history see TL7134 : Wethersfield Hangars. To go to the next field in an alphabetical tour of Essex WW2 airfields click on TL9230 : Wormingford Airfield. Much information was gleaned from Graham Smith’s book “Essex Airfields In The Second World War”. Link

Glyn Baker

RAF Wethersfield

This is a picture of RAF Wethersfield showing the control tower and base buildings. It was taken in 1979 while suspended under a ParaCommander parachute during a parascending ascent. For more info link to photo TL7233 : RAF Wethersfield Runway

Glyn Baker

Wethersfield Lights

These are the landing Lights for RAF Wethersfield and are located on the minor road from Finchingfield to Gainsford End. The base is now home to the Military police training establishment and Gliders of the Air Cadets.

Glyn Baker

Wethersfield Hangars

These are examples of the US Air Force hangars on the former RAF Wethersfield. The airbase is now home to the M.O.D Police & Guarding Agency H.Q and Training Centre Link

. Wethersfield had a long and difficult birth. It took 2 ½ years before it became operational. After a brief spell as a reserve landing field for RAF Ridgewell the 416th Bomb Group of the 9th USAAF took up residence in early 1944 flying A20 Havocs. During the Cold War the base operated among others F100 Super Sabres. It was the last of the 23 wartime airbases in Essex to remain operational. Today Air Cadet Sailplanes are TL7134 : Still Flying and are the main aircraft traffic.

Glyn Baker

Goldfish Bowl

This is the Control Tower of the Former RAF Wethersfield. For some background go to TL7134 : Wethersfield Hangars. Scratchy old picture of TL7133 : RAF Wethersfield from 1979 here.

Glyn Baker

Tillbrooks

Wethersfield has one of the last few wayside filling stations still to be in operation.

Glyn Baker

Still Flying

Conclusive proof Wethersfield still has flying activity an TL7134 : Air Cadet Sailplane on final approach Link

. This is a Grob 103 RAF tradition detests numbers so they have dubbed it "The Viking". The Air Cadets operate the largest fleet of sailplanes/gliders in the world.

Glyn Baker

Air Cadet Sailplane

A close up of one of the aircraft operating out of Wethersfield. This is a Grob 103 called "Viking" in RAF service. For more info on the type see Link

Glyn Baker

Nortofts Farm, Wethersfield, Essex

Robert Edwards

Water Tower, just north of Wethersfield, Essex

Robert Edwards

Signpost

Robert Edwards

Road to Sculpin's Farm

Robert Edwards

The village sign at Wethersfield

Robert Edwards

Wethersfield fire station

Wethersfield fire station, Meadside, Wethersfield, Braintree, Essex

Kevin Hale

Wethersfield old fire station

Wethersfield old fire station, Silver Street, Wethersfield, Braintree, Essex

Kevin Hale

Saffron Gardens, Wethersfield

Alex McGregor

The Round House, Finchingfield, Essex

It is called the Round House even though it is a hexagonal shape. It was built by the squire of nearby Spains Hall in the late 18th century as a model cottage.

Robert Edwards