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 in Related Content section.

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. More information on how to hire football pitches.

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 2^nd 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.