Activities at Jeskyns Community Woodland

Visitor information

Activities at Jeskyns Community Woodland

Chopwell Wood mixed woodland
Darnley trail at Jeskyns
The Fairy Forest sculptures at Jeskyns Community Woodland
Fairy & Elf Village at Jeskyns
boy interacting with a Gruffalo activity panel
Gruffalo Party Trail at Jeskyns Community Woodland
Ladies riding on Horses through the woodlands
Horse riding at Jeskyns
attending a learning event
Orienteering at Jeskyns
A individual sitting on a picnic table within bluebells
Picnics at Jeskyns
Running on forest trail
Running trails at Jeskyns
Close-up of two people's walking boots stood on forest ground.
Walking trails at Jeskyns

Nearby forests

Long grass on the edge of a woodland with bright blue skies

Mardyke Woods was already well established when the Romans first arrived here in 54BC and is therefore well deserved of its official status as an Ancient Semi Natural Woodland!

There's a variety of woodland paths for you to explore, two adjacent play areas for your active little monkeys and is convenient for the nearby Mardyke Way riverside walk, where you can connect up with the Davy Down Urban Riverside Park.

Community on bridge over small stream in woodland

As one of Thames Chase's largest woodlands, Cely Woods has an excellent network of paths and is a rich habitat with numerous insects and flowers. 

The wildlife across the wetlands is a year-round treat. Try observing it from the wooden bridge that straddles the stream and see what you can spot! 

You can also continue through to Belhus Woods Country Park via a safe road crossing on Romford Road, where you can grab some refreshments from the Visitor Centre. 

A walker walking through the forest in the autumn. The walker is looking up at the trees around them.

Thames Chase Forest Centre offers lots of features and bags of room for an exciting family day out.

The Thames Chase Trust runs the Thames Chase Forest Centre visitor centre, providing the perfect venue for a quick snack or wholesome lunch, as well as the opportunity to purchase local crafts and gifts. Among the Thames Chase Forest Centre buildings, you can still see the original 17th century Essex Barn, stables and farm house.

Sun setting behind silhouetted trees

Named after the Bonnetts family who farmed these fields as part of their Central Farm from the 1920’s, Bonnetts Wood is now the perfect place to relax and unwind. 

Flower meadows, small streams and native trees provide the ideal setting for quiet nature watching, connected by a network of paths winding through the area.

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