Great Monks Wood

Wood, Forest in Essex Braintree

England

Great Monks Wood

Ornamental lake at Markshall gardens
Ornamental lake at Markshall gardens Credit: Mr James D

Great Monks Wood is a stunning forest located in the county of Essex, England. Spanning over 400 hectares, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The wood is situated near the village of Abbess Roding and is easily accessible by road.

The forest is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch. These towering trees create a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors to Great Monks Wood can expect to see an array of bird species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and buzzards, as well as small mammals like foxes, badgers, and deer.

The wood is crisscrossed by numerous well-maintained trails, making it an ideal location for walking, jogging, and cycling. These paths lead visitors through picturesque woodland, alongside babbling brooks, and past tranquil ponds. Along the way, there are several designated picnic areas where visitors can rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Great Monks Wood is also home to a diverse range of plant life, with beautiful wildflowers carpeting the forest floor during the spring and summer months. Bluebells, primroses, and orchids are just a few examples of the colorful blooms that can be found in this enchanting woodland.

Overall, Great Monks Wood offers a serene and idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are a nature lover, a keen photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, this woodland is a must-visit destination in Essex.

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Great Monks Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.897219/0.64719457 or Grid Reference TL8225. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ornamental lake at Markshall gardens
Ornamental lake at Markshall gardens
Priors Green, Tumbler's Green
Priors Green, Tumbler's Green
Priors Green at the junction of Greenstead Green Road
Priors Green at the junction of Greenstead Green Road
Brooks Farm Road, Greenstead Green
Brooks Farm Road, Greenstead Green
Brooks Farm Road, Greenstead Green
Brooks Farm Road, Greenstead Green
Stisted Road, Greenstead Green
Stisted Road, Greenstead Green
St. Mary's church, Pattiswick, Essex Like many other redundant churches around the country, this 12th century church has been converted into a private residence. The conversion has been quite sympathetically done and, although it seems a shame that such action has been carried out, it is better than demolition.
St. Mary's church, Pattiswick, Essex
Like many other redundant churches around the country, this 12th century church has been converted into a private residence. The conversion has been quite sympathetically done and, although it seems a shame that such action has been carried out, it is better than demolition.
Visitor Centre at Markshall Country Park, Essex The Country Park lies to the north of Coggeshall.
Visitor Centre at Markshall Country Park, Essex
The Country Park lies to the north of Coggeshall.
Henham's Farm, just north of Stisted, Essex
Henham's Farm, just north of Stisted, Essex
Whalebone wood Whalebone wood (and the nearby spring) are well named - a pair of whalebones are still visible in the hedge beside the road here.
Whalebone wood
Whalebone wood (and the nearby spring) are well named - a pair of whalebones are still visible in the hedge beside the road here.
Markshall lake The upper of 2 lakes, reputedly dug by General Honeywood's troops during the siege of Colchester.
Markshall lake
The upper of 2 lakes, reputedly dug by General Honeywood's troops during the siege of Colchester.
Grange wood - Markshall Grange wood is an excellent example of a naturally occurring monoculture - in this case small leaved lime (Tilia cordata).
Grange wood - Markshall
Grange wood is an excellent example of a naturally occurring monoculture - in this case small leaved lime (Tilia cordata).
Ancient trackway between Grange and Lilly woods This trackway runs through a recently coppiced coupe in this area of ancient woodland.
Ancient trackway between Grange and Lilly woods
This trackway runs through a recently coppiced coupe in this area of ancient woodland.
Little Nunty's farm This arable field was originally divided into 7 and named after the days of the week and during WW II a horse was caught in cross fire from a "dog fight" going on overhead and, alas, died.
Little Nunty's farm
This arable field was originally divided into 7 and named after the days of the week and during WW II a horse was caught in cross fire from a "dog fight" going on overhead and, alas, died.
Arboretum path One of the many delightful walks through the Markshall Arboretum.
Arboretum path
One of the many delightful walks through the Markshall Arboretum.
The great Markshall oak. This veteran has a girth in excess of 27 feet, the site of the hall is in the background.
The great Markshall oak.
This veteran has a girth in excess of 27 feet, the site of the hall is in the background.
Perces and the Papermill wood. Perces (also spelt Piercys) overlooks the Bourne valley and the wood at the foot of the slope hides the remains of the old papermill.
Perces and the Papermill wood.
Perces (also spelt Piercys) overlooks the Bourne valley and the wood at the foot of the slope hides the remains of the old papermill.
Marks Hall Country Park Walk
Marks Hall Country Park Walk
Show me another place!

Great Monks Wood is located at Grid Ref: TL8225 (Lat: 51.897219, Lng: 0.64719457)

Administrative County: Essex

District: Braintree

Police Authority: Essex

What 3 Words

///corrode.diggers.submits. Near Coggeshall, Essex

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