Hillhouse Wood
33ac/13.4ha
Grid ref: TL 953 281
Updated 31/12/2023.
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This ancient woodland near Colchester is a light and open woodland with many glades and an open canopy of mainly oak and ash trees. The hazel growing beneath them is being coppiced in the traditional manner by local volunteers. It was acquired by the Woodland Trust with help from Colchester Council and a local appeal.
In spring the wood is carpeted with bluebells and wood anemones. Its birdlife includes resident woodpeckers, with blackcap, nightingale and garden warbler visiting in summer. It also has a colony of white-letter hairstreak butterflies.
Visiting
Just north of West Bergholt, reached from the end of Hall Road, which runs east from the B1508 (Colchester–Sudbury). Parking space for a few cars at the end of Hall Road. SatNav: CO6 3DU.
Buses between Colchester and Sudbury run along the B1508.
Accessible at all times.
Spring for woodland flowers and birdsong.
