Library Spinney

Wood, Forest in Essex Colchester

England

Library Spinney

Junction of Church Road and Birch Road Layer de la Haye Credit: PAUL FARMER

Library Spinney is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Essex, England. Nestled in the heart of the historic village of Wood, it offers a serene and tranquil escape from the bustling city life. With its dense forest cover and diverse range of flora and fauna, Library Spinney is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Spanning an area of approximately 50 acres, the woodland is primarily composed of oak, beech, and birch trees, which create a lush and vibrant canopy overhead. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of wildflowers, ferns, and moss, adding to the enchanting beauty of the surroundings.

Library Spinney is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, squirrels, and a plethora of bird species. It serves as an important habitat for many rare and protected species, making it a significant conservation area within the region.

The woodland offers a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. These trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including a small stream that meanders through the woods, adding to the serenity of the environment.

Library Spinney is not only a place of natural beauty but also holds historical significance. It is believed to have been part of the ancient woodland that once covered much of Essex, providing a glimpse into the area's rich heritage.

Overall, Library Spinney is a hidden gem in Essex, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature, relax, and rejuvenate amidst its tranquil and captivating setting.

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Library Spinney Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.849065/0.82853979 or Grid Reference TL9420. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Junction of Church Road and Birch Road Layer de la Haye

PAUL FARMER

Birch Green

Garages behind Greenfield Houses.

Burgess Von Thunen

Birch Green

Play area.

Burgess Von Thunen

Farmland near Birch

Ploughed field with Birch church in the background.

Burgess Von Thunen

Greenfield Houses

1950s council houses.

Burgess Von Thunen

New Hedge In Birch Green

When I was a nipper I remember this hedge-line being grubbed up, encouraged by the policies and financial incentives of the Ministry of Agriculture. Today in order to qualify for the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme subsidies hedges are in fashion once more! Link

Here volunteers from The Essex Wildlife Trust Link

Groundworks UK Link

and staff from Anglian Water (many thanks for the lunch folks!) are replanting the hedge with a mixture of native species. This is part of the Four Parishes Living Landscapes Project Link

that aims to restore four kilometres of hedgerow to provide a wildlife corridor between the dormice populations on TL8714 : Tiptree Heath and TL9721 : Roman River Reserve. The landowners get free trees and labour in exchange for a commitment to maintain the new hedge. See the end of the days toil at TL9419 : New Hedge in Pudding Lane and the results of a previous sortie at TL9318 : New Hedge on Winter's Hill

Glyn Baker

New Hedge in Pudding Lane

When I was a nipper I remember the hedges round here being grubbed up, encouraged by the policies and financial incentives of the Ministry of Agriculture. Today in order to qualify for the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme subsidies hedges are in fashion once more Link

Here volunteers from The Essex Wildlife Trust Link

Groundworks UK Link

and staff from Anglian Water are just completing a days work replanting the hedge with a mixture of native species. This is part of the four Parishes Living Landscapes Project Link

that aims to restore four kilometres of hedgerow to provide a wildlife corridor between the dormice populations on TL8714 : Tiptree Heath and TL9721 : Roman River Reserve. The landowners get free trees and labour in exchange for a commitment to maintain the new hedge. See the start of the days toil at TL9419 : New Hedge In Birch Green and the results of a previous sortie at TL9318 : New Hedge on Winter's Hill

Glyn Baker

Layer Breton Heath

Layer Breton Heath is currently being actively restored to a more traditional heathland, with the thinning of birches and management of gorse: The intention is to restore a significant amount back to acid grassland, while retaining woodland and several large areas of scrub. See Link

Link

Roger Jones

Pumping Station

A typical piece of 1930's architecture, the pump house for Abberton Reservoir.

Glyn Baker

Hare & Hounds at Layer Bretton Heath

This is the Hare & Hounds at Layer Bretton Heath. The piece of green in the foreground is the only bit of ground that remotely resembles a heath now. Over the past 30 years due to lack of grazing and control of grass fires the view from the pub has changed from open grassland and bramble bushes to young broad leaf woodland.

Glyn Baker

St. Peter's Church

In the village of Birch

Angela Tuff

Lake made from gravel pit

There are a lot of gravel pits in the Colchester area

Angela Tuff

Crop Rotation? at Garlands Farm

This lane connects Layer Bretton and Garlands Farm (in the background). The shot seems to show half of the classic Norfolk four-course rotation scheme with legumes to the right and cereal to the left.

Glyn Baker