Grove Woods & Playing Fields
Grove Woods & Playing Fields are located between
Rayleigh and Eastwood, forming a haven for both people and
wildlife, between the suburban development of Rayleigh and the
intensively farmed land of the Roach Valley. They can be
reached from Grove Road or Connaught Road, Rayleigh.
The trees and plants of this woodland are a curious mixture of
common hedgerow plants and exotic garden plants: Oak, Hawthorn,
Stitchwort and Campion grow side by side with Goldenrod,
Snowberries and fruit trees.
The woods reveal clues to both medieval farmland and a lost
community, which flourished and declined during the first half of
this century. The woods are owned and managed by Rochford
District Council to preserve the historic landscape and encourage
plants and wildlife.
There is a short woodland walk through Grove Woods. It
starts from the car park and takes about 30 minutes to
complete. A leaflet can be obtained by completing the online
request form at the bottom of this page.
Facilities
There are no toilet facilities at Grove Woods & Playing
Fields. The closest public toilet is at Crown Hill, Rayleigh
(1.8 miles).
There is a car park at the end of Grove Road (SS6 8UQ), which is
locked at dusk. From this car park both the playing fields
and woodland can be accessed via a network of paths.
Pedestrian entrances onto the playing fields can be found at the
end of Katherine Close and Bramfield Road East, Rayleigh.
The playing fields has several football pitches, which can be
hired by calling 01702 318111
There is a children’s play area, a sports pavilion, basketball
rings and a BMX track on the north of the woods.
How to get there
Grid Reference: TQ 825 902
Grove Woods & Playing Fields are located at the end of Grove
Road, Rayleigh (SS6 8UQ), which is near to Grove Wood Primary
School.
Bus
The closest bus routes are number 20, which stops in Grove Road
and number 9, which stops in Eastwood Road, Rayleigh.
Train
The closest train station is Rayleigh on the Southend Victoria
line. Grove Woods & Playing Fields are approximately 1.7
miles from the station. As you leave the station turn left
onto Station Road. Just before the railway bridge turn right
onto London Hill. Follow the road up the hill, passing
Rayleigh Windmill on your right, and the Job Centre Plus on your
left. London Hill leads into Church Street. Turn left
when you reach the High Street; Holy Trinity Church will be on your
left. Turn right at the traffic lights onto Websters
Way. Take the first left into Bull Lane and continue along
the road passing King Georges Playing Fields on your right.
The road bends round to the left. Take the 2nd
right into Jubilee Road. Turn left at the end of Jubilee
Road, onto Grove Road. Follow Grove Road for approximately
0.7 miles. You will then see signs for the car park and the
pedestrian entrance to the Woods and Playing Fields.