Hitchcock's Meadows
13ac/5ha SSSI
Grid ref: TL 788 049
Updated 31/12/2023.
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On hilly land adjoining Danbury Common, much of this is flower-rich ancient meadows and the rest is secondary woodland, scrubland and marsh.
The meadows are grazed to keep them open and are rich in wild flowers, including agrimony, knapweed and green-winged orchids, as well as less usual plants such as eyebright, common milkwort and autumn lady's tresses.
The marsh is dominated by the bright emerald green of giant horsetail, with a patch of devilsbit scabious.
The hedgerows and thickets attract a good number of bird species and the reserve is rich in insect life, including glow-worms.
Visiting
East of Eve's Corner, Danbury, about 200m down Gay Bowers Lane, on both sides of the road. Park in the car park on Penny Royal Road and from there walk up to the A414 and turn right, then right again into Gay Bowers Lane. SatNav: CM3 4FJ.
Chelmsford-Maldon or Chelmsford-Woodham bus to Eve's Corner, Danbury.
Accessible at all times.
Late April–September for wild flowers (plus butterflies July–August and glowworms in July).
Please keep dogs on leads when there is livestock on the reserve.
You may leave the paths if you wish, but please take care where you walk during the flowering season.
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