A bleak grizzly day in January, I park, only one other car. Sounds and smells come from the green hut in the middle of the deserted playing field. There’s no one in the café to meet me, so I go over to the museum, where I’m welcomed by Debbie. I
We know we are important. We know many of us were chosen to be in this place. We are proud that there are so many of us and so many different types of us. We know so many other living things love us and need us. We know that we
Black poplars are one of the rarest trees in the UK. There are seven mature females of the species that grow alongside the Rom/Beam at Eastbrookend Country Park. “They need more males to increase genetic diversity” Carol, the ranger, said. Naturally growing along watercourses, we can help to improve their
I came across these metal figures in Beam Valley Country Park when I was walking near my home. I was surprised to see them there but they interested me from the start because they were slightly elevated on a mound, were made of metal and they were people. In country
I first encountered the Beam River in 1990 when my mother moved to Dagenham. Previously, I eyed up the green open spaces as I travelled on the tube to and from Upminster but I’d never got around to investigating the area.I had selected her house for her for many reasons
Although a spectacular carpet of early Spring daffodils lines the busy B186 road to Brentwood, most travellers never know the importance of the person who once lived in that place. Yet behind a small gate on a sharp bend lies the remains of what was once the home and garden
As I look towards the ground, I notice white-like smoke coming from my mouth as I blow out air. I hear the snow crunch below my thick rubber-soled fury winter boots as I shift my weight from left to right. “Dad, it’s cold” I say. “Not as cold as yesterday.You’ll
Menagerie Wood has always been one of my favourite parts of Thorndon Park. Its’ unusual name dates from the eighteenth century when the 8th Lord Petre created his elaborate gardens. Menageries, or small zoos, were popular among the wealthy landowners with exotic animals such as bears and big cats being
My first walk with Kinetika and the Land of the Fanns Programme. A truly inspirational day lifting me from hopelessness to hope. A vast area with stunning views across the countryside as far as Canary Wharf. It was a clear day, perfect for a walk with like-minded people. Many sounds,
I’m standing looking towards the Pigeon Mound and Ruin Wood behind its’ barbed wire and thinking of the layers of history beneath the woods and meadows. It is the last occupant of the old Manor House, the Ninth Lord Petre, whose story haunts me. Why did he reduce the original
Thames Chase Trust, Pike Lane
Upminster, Essex RM14 3NS
01708 642970
landofthefanns@thameschase.org.uk
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