Broadfield Common

Downs, Moorland in Essex Uttlesford

England

Broadfield Common

Road junction between Brickkiln Spring and Canfield Hart These are each the names of woods nearby. The B183 runs across ahead in the shot. — Road junction between Brickkiln Spring and Canfield Hart Credit: Trevor Harris

Broadfield Common is a beautiful nature reserve located in Essex, England. Spanning over 200 acres, it encompasses a diverse range of landscapes including downs and moorland. The common is situated near the village of Danbury, just south of Chelmsford.

The downs at Broadfield Common offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. These grassy slopes are home to a variety of plant species such as wildflowers, heathers, and gorse. The area is a haven for wildlife, attracting numerous bird species including skylarks, meadow pipits, and kestrels.

In contrast, the moorland section of the common features a wetter habitat with boggy areas and small ponds. This environment supports unique flora such as sphagnum mosses and bog cotton. Dragonflies and damselflies can often be spotted hovering above the water, while frogs and newts inhabit the ponds.

Broadfield Common is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and walkers. The reserve offers several well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore the diverse landscapes and observe the local wildlife. Interpretive signs along the trails provide information about the flora and fauna found in the area.

Managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust, Broadfield Common is a conservation site of significant importance. The organization works to preserve the natural habitats and maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Regular conservation activities and educational programs are organized to raise awareness and engage the local community in the protection of this precious natural resource.

Overall, Broadfield Common is a stunning nature reserve offering a rich variety of landscapes, flora, and fauna. It provides a peaceful escape for those seeking to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Essex countryside.

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Broadfield Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.842974/0.25218455 or Grid Reference TL5518. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Road junction between Brickkiln Spring and Canfield Hart

These are each the names of woods nearby. The B183 runs across ahead in the shot.

Trevor Harris

Lane to Great Canfield

Trevor Harris

Junction and Sign

The meeting of Hatfield Forest Road/ Wood Row/ Greenhill.

David Bremner

Cannons Lane, Hatfield Broad Oak

The Broad Street Green part of the village.

Robin Webster

Shed with trailers

One of the farm buildings at Crabbs Green Farm.

Trevor Harris

Field north of Crabbs Green Farm

Taken from Crabbs Green Lane looking west. The tractor track dead ahead shows the line of the public footpath crossing this field.

Trevor Harris

Road junction at Taverners Green

With the lane called Crabbs Green on the left ahead.

Trevor Harris

On the lane to Broomshawbury

Looking north here with the fingerpost for Boxley Lane just visible in the centre ahead.

Trevor Harris

Footpath through The Marsh

This area north of Hatfield Broad Oak, formerly apparently common grazing, is a good wildlife habitat. Though there are some areas of standing water (one can be seen to the right here), most of the marshy area was dry today - as was Pincey Brook, whose course the path runs beside.

Trevor Harris

Pillars of an ecclesiastical dispute

Or maybe not. This is the east end of St Mary the Virgin. The pillars here are the remaining two of four pillars which supported the central tower of the Benedictine Priory church - which until the Dissolution was twice as long as the present church. So much is not in dispute; however notes in the church say the church was divided by this east wall following violent disputes between the parish and its priest, and the monks - who the parishioners accused of not maintaining the then-shared. This was supposedly carried out on the orders of the king as a solution to the dispute. I can't find any reference to these events on-line, in Victoria County History etc although other disputes are recorded concerning the priory. I suspect that maybe the east wall was constructed in 1536 when the priory was dissolved in order to reduce the church to more manageable proportions - though I stand to be corrected.

Trevor Harris

Straight road near Forest Farm

This very straight section is about a kilometre in length and may mark the route of a Roman road heading for Takeley Street (several other straight sections occur between here and Takeley Street). "Street" in a place name often denotes a settlement on a Roman road and indeed Takeley Street is on Stane Street running east to west. I think it's not too fanciful to see this as a Roman route to Stane Street.

Trevor Harris

Finger post at junction near Bridgefoot Farm

Directions shown are left to Takeley and Hatfield Forest, right to Hatfield Broad Oak, and towards the photographer, to Woodside Green and Hallingbury. For a close-up see photo from contributor David Bremner TL5418 : Junction and Sign

Trevor Harris

Little Barrington Hall Farm

Trevor Harris

Field south of Greenhill

Is beside, or was part of Brumsted Common.

Trevor Harris

Hatfield Forest.

Now a popular park cared for by the National Trust.

Robin Hall

The Shell House, Hatfield Forest

Jacob Houblon III built The Shell House in about 1754. It was attached to a cottage by his new lake and was occupied by a housekeeper who kept poultry and peacocks. The cottage was later demolished. The Shell House has recently been restored by The National Trust.

Janine Forbes