The surfaced paths provide peaceful strolls alongside cycle paths and bridleways and connect with the adjacent Pages Wood and Tylers Common. A sculpted wooden seat at the highest point of the site provide views across London, while the meadow areas and pond are enjoyed by both people and wildlife. The car park is closed overnight.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Harold Court Woods
Borough: Havering
Grade: Borough Grade II
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 26.65 ha
Description
Wildlife
Much of this former farmland site has been planted with trees. These are mainly native broadleaves, with some scots pine and larch, that supplement the surrounding tree belts which include groups of mature hybrid black poplar and horse chestnut. The original hedges include many old trees, including midland hawthorn and wild service, and have dog's mercury among the ground flora. These and the maturing plantations provide a good foraging and nesting resource for birds and other wildlife. Broad grassy rides and open areas have been left between the groups of trees. These are moderately rich in flowering plants and provide good habitat for butterflies, small mammals and reptiles. A pond at the northern end has been restored and has good emergent vegetation including common reed and lesser reedmace. The site provides supporting habitat for Tylers Common and links it with a grassland SINC, Bourningwood Fields, and with railside land that form part of an east-west wildlife corridor.Facilities
Car park; cycle paths, bridleways; waymarked walking routes
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