HAWKWOOD NATURE RESERVE
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The Reserve gates will be unlocked prior to 10:00 each morning and close at 6:00 pm each evening during the summer months. During Winter months the Reserve will be locked at 4:00pm. Contact Mike Freeman of the 'Friends' group or LBWF Green Spaces if access is needed outside of these hours.
Friends of Hawkwood Nature Reserve' was officially formed in May 2007 by a group of volunteers who had already performed much of the maintenance work at the Reserve. This followed the London Borough of Waltham Forests' decision to cease using the area as a schools 'Field Study Centre'. Originally it had been the ornamental garden and pond of a palatial home built by a Banker/Publisher, and as such contains some planting that is unexpected in a woodland setting. The House sadly fell into a state of disrepair, it was demolished in 1951 and now the Greenhouses that replaced it are home to the organic growing group OrganicLea. With a volunteer list of around forty local people, and support available from LBWF, Groundwork (London) and TCV we provide a safe and relaxing venue for local people. We have also been very grateful for funding and support from organisations such as; The Friends of Epping Forest, The Chestnut Fund, Drysdale and District Residents Association and several local residents. Being on the very edge of Epping Forest much wildlife is attracted to the area amongst our occasional visitors we have had Muntjac Deer, Jays, Kingfisher, Heron, Coots, Moorhens, Mallards and many nocturnal animals. We do hold regular Workdays to keep the Reserve tidy but our overall policy is to let nature take its course so only essential cutting back is undertaken. We have just been awarded our fourth Green Flag Community award. With continued support from the Borough, TCV and our volunteers we are really pleased with the way that the Reserve has improved. Thanks everyone. GALLERY
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