Norsey Wood Society

25/08/2026

This image of baby Hazel Dormice demonstrates why we place so much emphasis on conservation in Norsey Wood.

The Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for many good reasons. For example, Hazel Dormice are extremely rare having suffered a 70% decline since 2000 (EWT). Norsey is one of a small number of sites in Essex where they are hanging on. They live in lower density than Field Mice or Voles and are particularly vulnerable to disturbance by foxes, dogs and humans during Winter because they hibernate in small nests in the roots of trees (pictured). If woken, they will die because there is no food to replenish the energy expended waking up from torpor.

Help nature in Norsey by remaining on the major footpaths.

If interested in Hazel Dormice look out for our Talk at The Fold on Monday evening 19 October at 7.45pm when Stuart Brooker (EWT) will tell us more. (authored by Ken Richmond)

29/06/2026

29/06/2026

A Norsey Wood mystery.

If you ever go off the main trails in the wood, you might have stumbled across this metallic structure. Ken Richmond explains what it might be…

13/05/2026

Another view of the Spring Fayre taken and narrated by Dave Sweet

10/05/2026

The Spring Fayre is well underway and still an hour left if you want to pop along!

09/05/2026

The Mousetail - a small plant with an interesting story behind it. Steve Prewer explains…

02/04/2026

You’ll see some changes around the car park at Norsey Wood over the next few weeks - our long awaited gabion project is finally coming to fruition.

With the help of funding from the Billericay Area Committee of Basildon Council, volunteers have started to put together and fill the gabions that will eventually surround most of the car park.

Log and stone filled gabions are a great habitat for all sorts of insects and invertebrates who find protection and overwinter in the crevices and cracks.