Status: LNR & SSSI LNR declared: 1968 & July 2004 Owned by: Harlow District Council Area: 52.3 Hectares (LNR) Local Plan Ref. No: 21/1 OS Grid Ref: TL 445 070 BAP species: Pipistrelle Bat, Song Thrush BAP habitats: Ancient Woods, Urban

Making charcoal from coppice wood

Parndon Woods and Common is an important feature on Harlow's Southern Ridge. Parndon Wood together with Parndon Common (Fennels Field) and Hospital and Risdens Wood form the Parndon Woods and Common Local Nature Reserve. This ancient woodland consists of mature hornbeam coppice and oak. Historically, the hornbeam would have been cut in a fifteen year cycle. Parndon Wood has a Conservation Centre, with exhibition room, reference library, toilets, and wheelchair access. Visitors can have lunch on the picnic tables. A nature trail runs around the woodland with numbered stops and hides that can be followed using a trail guide. The newest hide is wheelchair accessible and can be reached via the new boardwalk opposite the centre. Bird species include nuthatch, jay, great spotted woodpecker, goldcrest, woodcock, tree creeper, cuckoos, chiffchaffs, and garden warblers. Fallow deer, munjac deer, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, and grass snakes are present in the woods. For further information including opening times contact the Warden or visit the Parndon Wood page on the Harlow Council website.