Cockaynes Wood Trust

Cockaynes Wood Trust 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

19/03/2026

Brimstone butterflies out in the sunshine today.

Spring is on the way and there's new growth everywhere around the reserve. P***y willow is in bud and beginning to bloom...
08/03/2026

Spring is on the way and there's new growth everywhere around the reserve. P***y willow is in bud and beginning to bloom, lots of bluebells shoots in both woods. Picture of first section laid hedge behind the meadow below. We've laid a few of the hollies along the footpath in Cockaynes and created some new dead hedging sections too. This helps provide habitat piles while also delineating the path. Excellent work from all todays' volunteers.

08/03/2026

Mid morning and time for a cuppa between tasks. Scrub clearance below the heath complete for this winter. Looking forward to seeing all the new spring growth coming through in the next few weeks.

06/03/2026
07/12/2025

The log pile on the Heath Area is still expanding with our latest Work Party opening up the birch scrub. If anyone wants to take some home, that is ok.

Our Water Rails have been seen on the Reserve again. They are very secretive birds and difficult to spot, but here is a...
21/11/2025

Our Water Rails have been seen on the Reserve again. They are very secretive birds and difficult to spot, but here is a photo from Glyn E of the latest sighting among the reeds.

19/11/2025

Cockaynes this morning!

02/11/2025

A video of part of today's work party trying to clear some of the birch trees in front of Cockaynes Wood. This is to allow the heather to regenerate across the path and down the bank.

PYO wood! Birch. Can be used for firewood, crafting, rustic furniture. Some short pieces but most at 6 foot or so so bri...
02/11/2025

PYO wood! Birch. Can be used for firewood, crafting, rustic furniture. Some short pieces but most at 6 foot or so so bring a saw if you want it shorter

Some of the fungi seen at Cockaynes today by Roger and Val.(ids are our best attempt but we are not fungi experts, so if...
26/10/2025

Some of the fungi seen at Cockaynes today by Roger and Val.
(ids are our best attempt but we are not fungi experts, so if anyone has a better id please advise in the comments).

16/09/2025

There are some cut ash logs if anyone wishes to carry them out.

Address

Railway Bridge, Wivenhoe Road
Alresford
CO79JX

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Cockaynes Wood Trust posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Cockaynes Wood Trust:

Shortcuts

Share

Category