About the reserve

Much of this woodland includes areas over 1,000 years old, making it the oldest recorded in Essex. The site features historic landscape elements, including remnants of past land use, and supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including several nationally threatened species. Belfairs Park, owned and managed by Southend Borough Council, forms a vital part of this landscape, providing both ecological value and recreational opportunities for the local community.

Key species in the woodland include the dormouse, heath fritillary butterfly, and song thrush, alongside the rare wild service tree, a classic indicator of ancient woodland. The woods are cherished by locals and visitors for walking, cycling, horse riding, golf, and bowls, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Many areas of the woodland have survived from a time when forests were a crucial economic resource, providing timber and other materials.

Traditional management practices, such as coppicing and woodland rotation, have been carefully maintained over the centuries, promoting long-term sustainability. These practices create a varied mosaic of trees of different ages, heights, and densities, which in turn supports an exceptionally wide array of plant and animal life. The woodland is therefore both a living historical landscape and a thriving habitat, balancing heritage, conservation, and recreation.

Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre, set within the park, is a vibrant visitor, community, and education hub. Serving as a key gateway to the Belfairs & Daws Heath Living Landscape in south Essex, it supports the collaborative work of Essex Wildlife Trust, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, local partners, and the community on conservation and educational initiatives, helping to safeguard this remarkable landscape for future generations. The centre features a meeting room (also available for hire), a shop, interactive information displays, and a refreshments area.

Visit Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre