Ancient coppice woodland consisting largely of small-leaved lime, a species once the most common species in ancient lowland woodland, but now rarely seen.
They were converted to ferrous sulphate which was an essential chemical for making dyes and inks.) Along with Lingwood Common, Danbury Common forms the second largest area of Open Access commonland in Essex after Epping Forest.
Parts remain a traditional open common, while elsewhere the land has been allowed to revert to scrub and woodland.
Along the cycleway next to Vernon Close are two woodland areas just a short walk away from the main river walk.
Owned partly by the Forestry Commission (FC), partly by Essex CC, this ancient woodland is an SSSI, with large numbers of small-leaved lime.
250 acres of nature reserves on Danbury Ridge, with SSSIs, including: Centre: Woodham Walter Common (Open Access 67).
West: Pheasanthouse Wood North: Birch Wood South: Little Baddow Heath, Poors Piece and Scrubs Wood.With fishing lakes to the south, and mown grassways near the lakes, except for an unrestored area to the north west, the reserve is a refuge for many bird species, such as the Little Egret.Cockaynes Wood is ancient Essex woodland, listed in the Domesday Book of 1086.Now coppiced, with new pathways funded by the Forestry Commission.Birchanger Wood Trust PDF Wildflower meadows, amenity grassland, scrub areas, wetland habitats, there is also a wooden board walk and play sculpture on site.20km of unsurfaced paths provide access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders but can be muddy and slippery after rain. Friday Woods is a nature reserve/army training area located on Bounstead Road in Colchester.