Claybury Woods and Park covers almost over 70 hectares, containing an ancient area of oak and hornbeam woodland (18 hectares) locally renowned for its variety of woodland spring flowers, including bluebells, veteran trees and fungi.
The park is made up of extensive meadows, wildlife ponds, wetland areas, managed scrub land and many ancient/veteran trees, the site being managed for nature conservation by the London Borough of Redbridge.
The park (formerly private estate of the former Claybury Hospital, which is now the gated housing estate, Repton Park) was initially arranged by famous landscape designer Sir Humphrey Repton, during the 18 Century.
For cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians the surfaced path provides a green traffic free route, linking the north west of the borough with Fairlop.
A natural play area, woodland art trail and outdoor gym are the latest attractions. A waymarked nature trail has already been established with corresponding leaflet.
My thanks to Chris Gannaway of the London Wildlife Trust and the Aldborough Hatch Defence Association who was my guide on Monday 25th April.
