Welcome to Curtismill Green a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This 47.3-hectare area sits between Epping and Brentwood in Essex. Curtismill Green is registered common land.
Reports show that the site was in poor condition in 2007. It is now a beautiful place to visit.
Curtismill Green is a relic. It remains from the ancient Forest of Waltham. Epping Forest is the largest surviving part of that forest.
Here at Curtismill Green you will find unimproved grassland and scrub. There are both damp and dry areas. This supports many uncommon species.
Keep an eye out for notable plants. Orange Foxtail, Lesser Spearwort and Yellow Rattle grow in the grassland. You’ll also notice a number of ponds dotted around Curtismill Green.
The area of common land surrounds Willow Cottage. Not far away is an open-air theatre. Although the M25 is audible you could be in another age. Imagine when horses were the main form of transport.
To the north, Curtismill Green is open grassland. Clumps of dense scrub and scattered oaks dot the landscape. Horses graze here.
The soils are a mixture of London clay and chalky boulder clay. Some areas are damp. Others are dry. This mix supports some unusual plants. Look for betony, lesser spearwort, pepper saxifrage and sneezewort.
As you walk south the trees become denser at Curtismill Green. Mature oaks are plentiful. You’ll also see a scattering of hornbeam, hawthorn and holly. A brook runs through the trees. In spring and summer, the woods are full of speckled wood butterflies.
The paths are used heavily by horses. Expect them to be pockmarked and rutted. Wear good boots. Beware of wet patches in winter.
You can access Curtismill Green from the north. Take Albyns Lane. This leaves the roundabout where the B175 joins the A113. It’s about a mile east of Abridge.
You can also reach Curtismill Green via footpaths and byroads. These are from the minor road between Stapleford Abbotts and Navestock Heath. Parking can be difficult. Get dropped off or walk or cycle in if you can.
May is a great time to visit Curtismill Green. See the early flowers and hear birdsong in the woods. July and August are ideal for meadow flowers and insects.
Curtismill Green is part of the hamlet of Nuper’s Hatch. It is in the parish of Stapleford Abbotts. Honeysuckle Cottage is also in the parish.
The northern boundary of the Stapleford Abbotts parish is the River Roding. The terrain is hilly. It ranges from 28 to 90 meters above sea level.
Buses are limited in the area. Route 375 serves it. The nearest railway station is at Romford. From there, you can reach London and East Anglia.
Take your time and enjoy the natural beauty. Curtismill Green offers a peaceful escape. Its diverse habitats and interesting history make it a unique place to explore.