The Park
Situated in the rolling countryside of the Roach Valley at the south of the District, this 200 acre beautiful wildlife park continues to mature, providing unique recreational facilities for residents and visitors to the area. The woodland, lake, open grassland and network of connecting paths and bridleways also provide habitat for a huge range of animals and plants.
The park lies in some of the most beautiful countryside in South Essex and makes the most of an exceptional rolling setting to create a mix of open grassland and woodland a habitat for many plant and animal species. Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, visited the newly created park in 2003 to celebrate the completion of the first stage in this major project.
The first phase of creating the park has been completed, with the planting of 28,000 trees. These trees are all native and include the hornbeam, oak and ash. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, an avenue of 200 oak trees was planted in the park.
The park is taking shape out of a vision of turning an area of farmland into a public open space where everyone can enjoy all that the countryside has to offer. There are numerous public rights of way for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to enjoy. Three areas of open grassland have been established with various types of grasses including Cocksfoot, Timothy and Yorkshire Fog. These will be mown to create species-rich meadows.
In 2008 the Rochford District Council, acquired further land to the east and west of the existing Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park along the Roach Valley.
With this former agricultural land the Authority began its planned second phase of the Country Parks development.
Seven new woodlands of over 35 acres, containing a total of 32,000 trees were planted in the winter of 2008/09.
The trees are all native broad-leafed species that are suitable for the location, and include English Oak, Hornbeam and Ash.
Now the meadows and woodlands are established and the Friends group support Rochford District Council in its aims for the country park, including continuing maintenance and completing the infrastructure of paths throughout the country park.
The park lies in some of the most beautiful countryside in South Essex and makes the most of an exceptional rolling setting to create a mix of open grassland and woodland a habitat for many plant and animal species. Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, visited the newly created park in 2003 to celebrate the completion of the first stage in this major project.
The first phase of creating the park has been completed, with the planting of 28,000 trees. These trees are all native and include the hornbeam, oak and ash. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, an avenue of 200 oak trees was planted in the park.
The park is taking shape out of a vision of turning an area of farmland into a public open space where everyone can enjoy all that the countryside has to offer. There are numerous public rights of way for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to enjoy. Three areas of open grassland have been established with various types of grasses including Cocksfoot, Timothy and Yorkshire Fog. These will be mown to create species-rich meadows.
In 2008 the Rochford District Council, acquired further land to the east and west of the existing Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park along the Roach Valley.
With this former agricultural land the Authority began its planned second phase of the Country Parks development.
Seven new woodlands of over 35 acres, containing a total of 32,000 trees were planted in the winter of 2008/09.
The trees are all native broad-leafed species that are suitable for the location, and include English Oak, Hornbeam and Ash.
Now the meadows and woodlands are established and the Friends group support Rochford District Council in its aims for the country park, including continuing maintenance and completing the infrastructure of paths throughout the country park.
How to get there
Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park can be reached via the public footpath & bridlepath network from:
A 30 space car park is situated at the Eastern entrance to the country park off of Cherry Orchard Way (B1013). This car park is open 24hrs a day, 365 days a year and has a 2m height restriction barrier.
Alternative parking can be found at:
Grove Road Playing Fields, Grove Road, Rayleigh
The car park is open 24hrs a day, 365 days a year.
Edwards Hall Park, Bosworth Road, Eastwood
The car park is open during park opening hours. Check with Southend Borough Council for more information.
Gusted Hall Lane, Hawkwell
There is a small privately owned car park at the end of the lane with limited parking.
No parking is allowed on any part of Blatches Chase or within the park itself.
By Bus
Bus numbers 9, 15, 15c and 16 stop at Western Approaches Bus number 8 goes past Gusted Hall Lane, Hawkwell.
Please note there are no toilet facilities at the park.
Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park can be reached via the public footpath & bridlepath network from:
- Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford
- Gusted Hall Lane, Hawkwell
- Green Lane/Western Approaches, Eastwood (footpaths only, near Morrisons)
- Flemings Farm Road, Eastwood
- Eastwood Rise, Eastwood (footpath only)
A 30 space car park is situated at the Eastern entrance to the country park off of Cherry Orchard Way (B1013). This car park is open 24hrs a day, 365 days a year and has a 2m height restriction barrier.
Alternative parking can be found at:
Grove Road Playing Fields, Grove Road, Rayleigh
The car park is open 24hrs a day, 365 days a year.
Edwards Hall Park, Bosworth Road, Eastwood
The car park is open during park opening hours. Check with Southend Borough Council for more information.
Gusted Hall Lane, Hawkwell
There is a small privately owned car park at the end of the lane with limited parking.
No parking is allowed on any part of Blatches Chase or within the park itself.
By Bus
Bus numbers 9, 15, 15c and 16 stop at Western Approaches Bus number 8 goes past Gusted Hall Lane, Hawkwell.
Please note there are no toilet facilities at the park.