Status: LNR & SSSI LNR declared: 1968 & July 2004 Owned by: Harlow District Council Area: 52.3 Hectares (LNR) Local Plan Ref. No: 21/1 OS Grid Ref: TL BAP species: Pipistrelle Bat, Song Thrush BAP habitats: Ancient Woods, Urban

Making charcoal from coppice wood

Parndon Woods and Common is an important feature on Harlow's Southern Ridge. Parndon Wood together with Parndon Common (Fennels Field) and Hospital and Risdens Wood form the Parndon Woods and Common Local Nature Reserve. This ancient woodland consists of mature hornbeam coppice and oak. Historically, the hornbeam would have been cut in a fifteen year cycle. Bird species include nuthatch, jay, great spotted woodpecker, goldcrest, woodcock, tree creeper, cuckoos, chiffchaffs, and garden warblers. Fallow deer, muntjac deer, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, and grass snakes are present in the woods.