Featherbed Lane

Size: 0.8ha

 

Grid Reference: TQ 484 946

 

Owner: Essex County Council

 

Access: Public Access

 

Site Description:The lane connects an area of recently planted woodland and the Lambourne End Centre (with a significant veteran tree population) to the ancient woodland of Hainault Forest in the south. Hedgerows branch off to the east and west giving the landscape good connectivity for ground dwelling mammals.

 

The proximation to Hainault Forest and the 40 veteran trees found on the lane make it likely that the lane is used as a highway for bats. 

 

The northern half of the lane is characterised by Field maple, Elm (some dead, which provide a good habitat for insects), Blackthorn and Bramble.

 

The southern half of the lane is characterised by coppiced Hornbeam and pollarded Oak, occasional Ash, some Holly and hedgerow species including Hawthorn.

 

There are a number of very significant veteran trees including a very old ash and hornbeam trees. Evidence of Badgers has been seen and the lane is known to be good for Bluebells in the spring.

 

 

 

Management:

 

November 2008:

 

·         Hedge laying on northwest side, 70m

 

November 2009:

 

·         Hedgelaying northwest side, 70m

·         Overhanging branches pruned for safety, whole lane

·         Blackthorn scrub reduced on northeast edge

 

Veteran Trees: 

 

The Ash pictured below ash is estimated to be 350 years old. It is 4 and a half metres wide and hollow inside.  

 

                           

 

The Hornbeam pitured below is part of a hedgerow in featherbed lane. It is approximately 300 years old and has a girth of 2.6m.