The Landscape


The Forest Centre buildings are surrounded by 56ha. (140 acres) of new woodlands, meadows and ponds, and even an orchard of traditional apple varieties. This land is managed by our partner organisation, the Forestry Commission. Click here to see a site map for the Thames Chase Forest Centre and its surrounding sites South and East of Upminster.

The Forest Centre landscape has been created in just 15 years from a former arable farm, and is testament to how rich wildlife havens can be created in short timescales from ecologically poor farmland. Wildlife abounds on the site and typical things you might see on your visits include green woodpeckers, skylarks, dragonflies, butterflies and long-tailed tits. You might even glimpse national rarities, such as water voles, great crested newts and barn owls.

Almost three miles (4.5km) of smooth-surfaced "wheel friendly" paths allow access around the site for buggies, wheelchair users and cyclists, as well as walkers of all ages. There is also access for horseriders on dedicated paths and on all areas of grass. The paths have benches and picnic tables located on them to enable you to relax, take in the views, or watch the wildlife.

Throughout the site, there are fun, carved wooden sculptures that act as focal points in the landscape. Children can hunt out and discover ladybirds, oak leaves and carved trees dotted around the site, or hide out in the "Discovery Den" to see wild creatures pass by. Everyone will enjoy the "Millionth Tree", which you can climb up inside for a bird’s eye view of the landscape. Finally, be sure to stand back and admire the totem pole near the entrance drive. This was designed by local school children and was carved to commemorate the opening of the Forest Centre on 19th March 2005.