Fairmead Bottom

Valley in Essex Epping Forest

England

Fairmead Bottom

Bury Wood, Epping Forest (1)
Bury Wood, Epping Forest (1) Credit: Stephen Richards

Fairmead Bottom is a picturesque valley located in Essex, England. Situated in the heart of the county, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The valley is nestled between rolling hills and is encompassed by lush greenery, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Fairmead Bottom is characterized by its meandering river that runs through the valley, providing a serene backdrop for visitors. The river is home to various species of fish and is a haven for birdwatchers, attracting a diverse range of waterfowl and other avian creatures.

The valley is also renowned for its diverse wildlife, with many rare and protected species making their homes here. It offers a rich and varied ecosystem, with a plethora of habitats including woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. This diversity makes it an ideal location for walking, hiking, and exploring the natural world.

In addition to its natural wonders, Fairmead Bottom is steeped in history. There are remnants of ancient settlements and archaeological sites dating back thousands of years, providing a fascinating glimpse into the area's past. Visitors can explore these historical treasures and learn about the people who once inhabited this land.

Overall, Fairmead Bottom is a hidden gem in Essex, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Whether you are a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a place to unwind, this valley has something to offer everyone.

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Fairmead Bottom Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.647394/0.03637525 or Grid Reference TQ4096. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bury Wood, Epping Forest (1)
Bury Wood, Epping Forest (1)
Bury Wood, Epping Forest (2)
Bury Wood, Epping Forest (2)
Butler's Retreat, Chingford A coffee shop on the edge of Epping Forest. Listed Grade II. The building on the extreme left is Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge.
Butler's Retreat, Chingford
A coffee shop on the edge of Epping Forest. Listed Grade II. The building on the extreme left is Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge.
Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, Chingford Now a museum and Listed Grade II*. This is an early 16th century hunting lodge and is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, Chingford
Now a museum and Listed Grade II*. This is an early 16th century hunting lodge and is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Public house and hotel The Royal Forest public house and a Premier Inn are co-located here.
Public house and hotel
The Royal Forest public house and a Premier Inn are co-located here.
The Owl public house, Loughton Visited during a walk in Epping Forest. A nice setting and fine inside but not the most architecturally distinguished building.
The Owl public house, Loughton
Visited during a walk in Epping Forest. A nice setting and fine inside but not the most architecturally distinguished building.
Butlers Retreat This restored barn on the edge of Epping Forest is now a cafe.
Butlers Retreat
This restored barn on the edge of Epping Forest is now a cafe.
Looking down Lippitts Hill, November 2023 The leaves are only now starting to turn in mid November, possibly due to a warm October.
Looking down Lippitts Hill, November 2023
The leaves are only now starting to turn in mid November, possibly due to a warm October.
Connaught Water The construction of this eight-acre ornamental lake started in 1883. It was enlarged in 1893 and the two islands made. Before this transformation, the area consisted of a small swampy pool fed by the drainage from Hill Wood, Fairmead Bottom and Thicket. The aim of the Conservators in the early days was to drain the Forest to improve it for Commoners' cattle and to increase access safely.

The new lake was named after the newly appointed first Ranger of the Forest, the Duke of Connaught. The catchment area of Connaught Water is the woodland and plains northwards to High Beach from where the water is concentrated into two streams entering at the NE and NW corners of the lake.
Connaught Water
The construction of this eight-acre ornamental lake started in 1883. It was enlarged in 1893 and the two islands made. Before this transformation, the area consisted of a small swampy pool fed by the drainage from Hill Wood, Fairmead Bottom and Thicket. The aim of the Conservators in the early days was to drain the Forest to improve it for Commoners' cattle and to increase access safely. The new lake was named after the newly appointed first Ranger of the Forest, the Duke of Connaught. The catchment area of Connaught Water is the woodland and plains northwards to High Beach from where the water is concentrated into two streams entering at the NE and NW corners of the lake.
Horse paddock, High Beach Looking down off the Epping Forest ridge into the Lea valley
Horse paddock, High Beach
Looking down off the Epping Forest ridge into the Lea valley
High Beach Church High Beach Church in Epping Forest.
High Beach Church
High Beach Church in Epping Forest.
The River Ching Just about a mile from Chingford I was surprised at how small the river Ching was when I came across it walking section 19 of the London Loop.  It is the river that gives Chingford its name.
The River Ching
Just about a mile from Chingford I was surprised at how small the river Ching was when I came across it walking section 19 of the London Loop. It is the river that gives Chingford its name.
The Central Line looking south towards Buckhurst Hill Halfway up the right side of the grid square.  Taken from the footbridge over the Central Line (where it runs above ground), this was the worst part of my walk along section 19 of the London Loop, the bridge was grey, caged in overhead and covered with graffiti. Just as well I had a small lens as I had to poke it through the mesh.
The Central Line looking south towards Buckhurst Hill
Halfway up the right side of the grid square. Taken from the footbridge over the Central Line (where it runs above ground), this was the worst part of my walk along section 19 of the London Loop, the bridge was grey, caged in overhead and covered with graffiti. Just as well I had a small lens as I had to poke it through the mesh.
Walking the Loop Running west-east across the middle of the grid square.  Part of section 19 of the London Loop.  An ancient cattle drove, probably first used some 2000 years ago but the practice of driving livestock between pastures died out in the 19th century.
Walking the Loop
Running west-east across the middle of the grid square. Part of section 19 of the London Loop. An ancient cattle drove, probably first used some 2000 years ago but the practice of driving livestock between pastures died out in the 19th century.
Loughton Library Near to the library, there is a swimming pool, playground, car park and High Street.
Loughton Library
Near to the library, there is a swimming pool, playground, car park and High Street.
The Robin Hood The Robin Hood roundabout is a major landmark on the Epping New Road, which runs through Epping Forest.  For motorists (at least), this might be considered the centre point of the forest.
The Robin Hood
The Robin Hood roundabout is a major landmark on the Epping New Road, which runs through Epping Forest. For motorists (at least), this might be considered the centre point of the forest.
Earl's Path Pond This pond is the remains of 19th Century gravel workings.  It is beside the Earl's Path and the Three Forests Way.  The larger pond further South at Strawberry Hill is more attractive and is surrounded by woodland. Much of the woodland here is not "ancient", but has recovered after clearances.
Earl's Path Pond
This pond is the remains of 19th Century gravel workings. It is beside the Earl's Path and the Three Forests Way. The larger pond further South at Strawberry Hill is more attractive and is surrounded by woodland. Much of the woodland here is not "ancient", but has recovered after clearances.
Qvist's Oak on Warren Hill There are some fine, ancient pollarded oaks here.  This is a high point on the Three Forests Way.
Qvist's Oak on Warren Hill
There are some fine, ancient pollarded oaks here. This is a high point on the Three Forests Way.
Show me another place!

Fairmead Bottom is located at Grid Ref: TQ4096 (Lat: 51.647394, Lng: 0.03637525)

Administrative County: Essex

District: Epping Forest

Police Authority: Essex

What 3 Words

///urgent.army.echo. Near Buckhurst Hill, Essex

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.647394,0.03637525
Parking
Lat/Long: 51.6481331/0.0367782
Fairmead Bottom
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 51.6495564/0.0355387
Long Hills
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 51.6465123/0.0293613
Description: Monument approximately 240 metres North of The Warren at TQ 410 959
He Inscription Date: 1984-05-29
Heritage: 2
Heritage Operator: Historic England
Heritage Website: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1111215
Historic: memorial
Listed Status: Grade II
Man Made: obelisk
Memorial: obelisk
Ref GB Nhle: 1111215
Wikidata: Q26404901
Lat/Long: 51.6442055/0.0365075
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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