Visitor information

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Large open area of heathland, gorse and coppice adjoining ancient woodland

Along with Lingwood Common, Danbury Common forms the second largest area of commonland in Essex after Epping Forest.

Traditionally commoners would graze animals here and cut down scrub and trees for fuel, creating an open landscape. Today, the common is managed in a similar way to encourage growth of rare flora and fauna.

Be sure to explore Blake's Wood, an ancient woodland on a sloping site spanning 100 acres with streams, valleys, mature oak and chestnut and coppiced hornbeam. In spring wild flowers, including bluebells, primroses and yellow archangel, carpet the woodland floor.

On the south-western edge of Danbury Common is Backwarden nature reserve, leased to Essex Wildlife Trust. This is a great place to look out for flowers, reptiles, nesting birds and insects.