Photograph © Mathew Frith
Claybury Wood is one of the few remaining fragments of Hainault Forest that still exists within Greater London. The wood lies on the south facing side of Claybury Hill in Redbridge within a larger park that was closed to public access until the late 20th century. Claybury wood is an 18-hectare Site of Metropolitan Importance.
Woodland Ecology
Claybury Park wood comprises ancient oak-hornbeam woodland, a now isolated remnant of Hainault Forest that was managed in the past as hornbeam coppice with oak standards. The ground flora is the most diverse of all woodlands in Redbridge (including parts of Hainault and Epping Forests), and includes southern wood-rush, for which Claybury is the type locality. The woodland also holds important bird and invertebrate populations.
Threats prior to Capital Woodlands
Few local people use the woodland and many are unaware that it is now publicly accessible. Other threats facing the woodland include sporadic motorcycling, vandalism and fly tipping, but the main priorities for work are to manage to woods for biodiversity and wildlife value, to address the confusing network of unmarked pathways within the wood and to initiate a community outreach programme.
Capital Woodlands Programme
Woodland management includes detailed survey work and exploratory coppicing to investigate the ecology and natural heritage of the wood. Veteran oak trees require special management, and reintroduction of coppicing in areas of relict hornbeam coppice will increase the structural diversity of the wood. Other activities include restoration of the woodland ditch system and tree thinning to promote biodiversity.
The creation of a main circular path through the wood allows more light in, offer additional habitat for woodland edge birds and butterflies and encourages people visiting the park to use the wood. The path formalises desire lines and includes seating and clear signage. This will also reduce disturbance to the ground flora. Woodland users are encouraged to use sustainable transport through the promotion of public transport links and the installation of cycle routes, pathways and racks.
Local people are informed of Capital Woodlands at Claybury by leaflets, maps and interpretation boards. Information is available on site and throughout the borough including the Council website, libraries and community centres.
Community outreach events such as seasonal walks, practical workshops and performance art increase the sensory value of the interpretation. These include information on local biodiversity and ecology, archaeology, the historic Repton landscape and surviving landscape features such as the Saxon route. Events target specific groups including young people, ethnic minority groups and those with mobility difficulties.
