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The Nature Reserve was originally an area of sandpits, this land was acquired by the local parish in 1984 and clearance of the site was carried out by the Parish Council with the assistance of Braintree Council and various voluntary groups. The Reserve now offers an area of outstanding natural beauty, with approximately 1 mile of footpaths, woodland and numerous ponds and lakes with footbridges. Fishing rights for the larger lakes was given to a local club but an application for annual permits can be obtained from the local Newsagents. There are a number of access’s to the area, most of which are from the “The Street” which is the main road through the village, however there is a farm track which can be accessed from the Halstead Road, at the end of this track there is an open area for the parking of vehicles. This is probably the best entrance for those interested in fishing the lakes as it offers the easiest route for carrying of fishing tackle etc. A map of the area, together with other details, produced by the Local Parish Council called “Gosfield Footpaths” is available from the Newsagents in Church Road. This Community Woodland can be found at the northern perimeter of what was Gosfield Airfield, it is at the north eastern end of the old runway. The original scheme was started by Lord Braybrook, Lord lieutenant of Essex and was to mark the 40th anniversary of the accession of the queen to the throne. The woodland occupies an area of 250 acres and is laid out with a network of rides and glades with walks through mixed native broadleaf trees. Entrance to the old airfield can be found about 500 mtrs after leaving the village on the Sible Hedingham Road, (A1017). Broaks Wood , a Forestry Commission site, providing some beautiful walks through a vast range of woodland. (See Photo Index) Parking facilities are available at the entrance on west side of the wood, this is on the A1017 just north of the village, there is also an entrance/exit at the eastern side of the wood which can be accessed from a lane off the Halstead Road. Gosfield
Hall was originally built in 1545 and contains the best of many
architectural periods. http://www.brideshead.co.uk/gosfield_main.html Also adjacent to the house is a building with a rare old “Gin Engine”. A large and varied collection of operational vintage steam and diesel engines, carriages and wagons that represent much of our Railway Heritage is available to explore around and take rides on. This attraction can be found on the A1017 just north of Castle Hedingham, (see map below) Website for full details... http://www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk/ A visit to the castle and its beautiful grounds is ideal for a family outing, and during the summer there are a variety of special events which bring its colourful history alive. Come and enjoy one of the exciting Jousting Tournaments (see pictures) or other entertainments. Attraction can be found just of the A1017 in Castle Hedingham, Website for full details... http://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/index.htm |
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