Cockaynes Wood Trust

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Cockaynes Wood Trust

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Cockaynes Wood is a community wildlife site on the former Bretts quarry between Wivenhoe and Alresford, Essex. These are all open to the public.

Sat nav CO7 9JX (DO NOT USE THE SUNNYMEAD FARM ENTRANCE LANE). Walking access also via public footpath from Cockaynes Lane, Alresford. Cockaynes Wood is jointly managed by Essex Wildlife Trust (EWT) and Cockaynes Wood Trust (CWT), who lease the site from Brett Aggregates. The site consists of Cockaynes Wood itself, Villa Wood, “Railway Wood” and parts of the former Villa Farm Quarry. It consists of a matrix of habitats, including woodland, bodies of water, and areas of open scrub. There are a number of public footpaths through the site that give access to the woods, and views of the open areas. Various wild-life related events are held on the site through the year. The site is maintained by regular work-parties, for which volunteers are always welcome! Grid Reference: TM052216
Post code: CO7 9JX

01/11/2026

A busy work party for Cockaynes Volunteers this morning, rebuilding the 'dead hedge ' in Cockaynes Wood.

12/10/2026

1st Picture shows autumn fruits at Cockaynes - rose hips.
2nd picture shows the effect of deer browsing on the meadow area - willow stems grazed at about 12 inches tall, or head height for a Muntjac.

06/08/2026

I recently hosted 2 'mothing' nights with EFC Moth Group at Cockaynes Nature Reserve near Alresford, one on 5th June and one on 31st July. The 1st visit produced 85 new species for the site records from a total of 928 moths trapped. The 2nd visit produced another 51 new species from 507 moths trapped.
These results mean that 136 species have been recorded ontothe Master List of Moth Species for the site, taking the total to 348 species identified to date. There were some noteable / scarce / red data moths recorded. I've added some pics below from my phone but hopefully some of the other attendees may be able to add some more (better ones) for the Group to see.
Many thanks to the Group members who made their time and expertise available on the nights.
Roger Robson, Warden Cockaynes Nature Reserve.

02/08/2026

Another successful moth survey at Cockaynes last night with the Essex Field Club Moth Group. 8 moth lights in operation and we expect over 100 species to be recorded when all the results are tabulated (I know already that at least 2 will be new records for the Nature Reserve).
Some moths, including a lovely Red Underwing, were attracted to 'sugar lures' on nearby trees. Many thanks to the EFC Moth Group for their help last night. I'm not sure how long some of the group stayed but I abandoned them just before 1am.
Some pics from last night are added below, Roger R.

26/07/2026

A short work party today in the slightly cooler weather to do some footpath maintenance. Still no rain so the reserve is tinder dry.

05/07/2026

Why is it that some people have to light fires,,even on a hot day and when everything is tinder dry?

29/06/2026

Some recent sightings at Cockaynes from Glyn E.

25/06/2026

A visit to Cockaynes by the Essex Field Group Moth Group, on 6th June, has found another 85 moth species to add to our Moth Species List for the Nature Reserve. This takes the total to 302 species. On the night they recorded / identified 171 species from a total of 928 moths counted. They are having a return visit on 31st July. Some pics of the moths below.
Roger.

08/06/2026

The fallen hawthorn tree in Villa Wood has now been cleared from the public path. Required the use of the chainsaw to cut safely. Roger

Address

Railway Bridge, Wivenhoe Road
Alresford
CO79JX

Website

http://www.cockaynes.org.uk/

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