Wanstead Flats
Wanstead Flats - Trees
Wanstead Flats forms the southern-most extent of Epping Forest and comprises about 135 Hectares, mostly of open grassland and football pitches.
The overall impression one gets of the area is just that - flat, open grassland. But in fact there are a large number of trees to be found here, hundreds of specimens of some 36 species. These are present typically in planted copses and as roadside plantings, or - in the case for example of Hawthorn - in either small groups or as isolated specimens.
A survey of the trees of Wanstead Flats was made in 1979 as an addition to the general plant survey of Wanstead Flats (Ferris, 1981), and covers the same area.
Each separate 0.25 x 0.25Km. square of the plant survey map (Map) was investigated and the species present therein listed (Table 1). The trees found in each square were listed alphabetically using the scientific name. The number of specimens of each species should generally be treated as approximate, especially in the larger groups of trees where counting precisely is more difficult.
The term 'tree' should be taken to include some of the smaller types that may in fact be little more than shrubs. This is particularly true of elder (Sambucus nigra).
36 species were recorded on 1979, although some of these - particularly Elm, Birch and the single Alder (Alnus glutinosa) - were in poor condition or dying.
A list of the 36 species in alphabetical order is included in Appendix 1.
TABLE 1.
Trees recorded from Wanstead Flats listed alphabetically by species per grid square.
(specs. = specimens)
D3/D4 (Wood by Harrow Road)
Acer campestre 2 specs.
Acer pseudoplatanus 3 specs.
Carpinus betulus 1 spec.
Crataegus monogyna A few trees
Populus x canadensis 1 spec.
Quercus robur 2 specs.
Sambucus nigra 1 spec.
Ulmus sp. 4 specs.
D4
Populus nigra 'italica' 1 spec. by houses at edge of Flats
D5 (Edge of Flats)
Platanus x hybrida A line of trees
(Wood opposite school)
Crataegus monogyna The predominant species
Sambucus nigra 1 spec.
(Group of trees near Ferndale Rd.; inc. part of D6)
Crataegus monogyna A few trees
Populus x canadensis A number of fine trees
Tilia x europaea 5 specs. amongst poplars
(S.W. edge of tree avenue (Evelyn's Avenue) leading to Bush Wood)
Platanus x hybrida Forming part of Evelyn's Avenue
Populus x canadensis
D6
Populus tremula One tree at edge of Flats opp. Stanmore Road.
E3
Platanus x hybrida Lining Harrow Road
E4 No trees except possibly two Crataegus monogyna in S.E. corner of square
E5
Platanus x hybrida Comprising tree avenue (Evelyn's Avenue)
Populus x canadensis
E6 (Avenue of trees)
Crataegus monogyna A few trees
Tilia x europaea Main avenue of trees
(Lining Bushwood)
Platanus x hybrida
(Wood by Bushwood)
Acer pseudoplatanus 1 spec.
Crataegus monogyna Some in wood; a few elsewhere
Fagus sylvatica 1 spec.
Quercus robur Predominant species
F2
Platanus x hybrida Lining Dames Road and Sidney Road
F3
Acer pseudoplatanus A few specs. on old toilet site
Crataegus monogyna Numerous specs.
Fagus sylvatica 1 spec. on site of old toilets
Platanus x hybrida Lining S. side of Lake House and Dames Roads
Populus nigra 'italica' 1 spec on old toilet site.
F4 (Lining Lake House Road; west side)
Platanus x hybrida A number of trees
Populus x canadensis 6 specs.
Tilia x europaea 1 spec.
(Edge of Flats by houses)
Acer campestre 3 specs.
Acer pseudoplatanus 1 spec.
Betula sp. A few specs.
Carpinus betulus 2 specs.
Crataegus monogyna Abundant
Ilex aquifolium Some bushes
Platanus x hybrida Comprise most of tree avenue
Populus x canadensis
Quercus robur 2 specs.
Tilia x europaea 2 specs.
Ulmus sp. 2 trees; many suckers
F4 (S.E. side of Lake House Road)
Crataegus monogyna
Platanus x hybrida Lining Lake House Road
Tilia cordata A few specs. in copse
Tilia x europaea Dominant species in copse
F5
Acer campestre 1 spec.
Betula sp. 2 specs.
Carpinus betulus 2 specs.
Crataegus monogyna
Platanus x hybrida Forming avenue of trees by houses
Populus x canadensis
Tilia x europaea
F6
This square includes part of Bush Wood, dealt with separately. Only those trees
that are S.W. of the footpath between Belgrave Road and Bushwood are included here.
Crataegus monogyna Abundant
Ilex aquifolium Abundant
Platanus x hybrida Lining Bushwood
Quercus robur Abundant
Tilia x europaea Tree avenue
G2 (By houses in Woodford Road and Sidney Road)
Aesculus hippocastanum
Acer campestre
Acer platanoides 1 spec.
Acer pseudoplatanus
Carpinus betulus
Crataegus monogyna
Fagus sylvatica
Ilex aquifolium
Quercus robur
Tilia x europaea
Ulmus sp. Unidentified elm
Ulmus glabra
(Lining Sydney Road)
Platanus x hybrida
G2 (By Centre Road)
Crataegus monogyna 1 spec.
Tilia x europaea 1 spec.
G3 (By Centre Road)
Acer pseudoplatanus 1 spec.
Crataegus monogyna
Tilia x europaea 2 specs
G3 (Copse to W. of Centre Road)
Carpinus betulus 3 specs
Crataegus monogyna
Quercus borealis 5 specs.
Quercus robur 8 specs.
(Elsewhere)
Crataegus monogyna Scattered on Flats
G4 (Roadside)
Crataegus monogyna
Malus sp. 1 spec. by Lake House Road
Quercus robur 3 specs. by Lake House Road
Sambucus nigra
Tilia x europaea 2 specs. by Centre Road
(Copse east edge of F4)
Crataegus monogyna
Tilia x europaea Dominant species
G5
Acer pseudoplatanus One small tree by Lake House Road
Crataegus monogyna Plentiful
Fagus sylvatica 1 spec. in dip E. side of Centre Road
Ilex aquifolium 2 specs.
Laburnum anagyroides 1 spec.
Platanus x hybrida Lining E. side of Centre Road
Populus tremula 1 spec.
Sambucus nigra Approx. 3 specs.
Sorbus aucuparia A sapling near Lake House Road
Tilia cordata 1 spec.
Ulmus glabra 1 spec.
H1 (Avenue by Capel Road)
Aesculus hippocastanum 1 spec.
Fraxinus excelsior 2 specs.
Platanus x hybrida Avenue by Flats plus 2 dead trees by road
Tilia sp. 6 specs.
Ulmus sp. One or two nearly dead trees; lots of regeneration in ditch
(Bandstand circle)
Platanus x hybrida
H2 (An avenue of trees by Woodford Road)
Acer pseudoplatanus 4 specs.
Platanus x hybrida Comprise that side of tree avenue by pond
Populus x canadensis 1 spec.
Tilia sp. 1 spec.
H3 (Lining Centre Road)
Acer pseudoplatanus 1 spec.
Aesculus hippocastanum 1 spec.
Populus x canadensis 1 spec.
Tilia sp. 4 specs.
Ulmus sp. 2 specs; one nearly dead, but regenerating in ditch.
H4 (By Centre Road)
Acer pseudoplatanus 1 spec.
Crataegus monogyna
Platanus x hybrida 1 spec.
Populus x canadensis 5 specs.
Tilia sp. 3 specs.
Ulmus sp. 1 spec.
(Long Wood: western section)
Aesculus hippocastanum 1 spec.
Carpinus betulus 5 specs.
Crataegus monogyna Plentiful. particularly at edge of wood.
Fagus sylvatica 2 specs. , one with white bark.
Ilex aquifolium Some bushes
Platanus x hybrida
Quercus sp. 2 unidentified oaks near Centre Road
Quercus robur Predominant species..
Sambucus nigra 1 or 2 bushes.
Tilia sp. 5 specs. plus one isolated to N. of Long Wood.
(Long Wood: middle section)
Betula sp. 1 dead tree.
Carpinus betulus 4 specs.
Crataegus monogyna Plentiful around edges and at E. end.
Fagus sylvatica Co-dominant species with Quercus robur.
Quercus sp. One tree with large leaves.
Quercus borealis 2 specs.
Quercus robur Co-dominant species with Fagus sylvatica.
Sambucus nigra
(Long Wood: eastern section inc. part of I4)
Betula sp. 3 specs. alive; 1 dead
Crataegus monogyna
Fagus sylvatica Co-dominant species with Quercus robur.
Quercus sp. One unidentified tree.
Quercus borealis 2 specs.
Quercus robur Co-dominant species with Fagus sylvatica.
Sambucus nigra
Tilia sp. 3 specs.
Ulmus glabra 1 spec.
H5
Carpinus betulus 2 specs.
Crataegus monogyna
Fagus sylvatica 1 spec.
Ilex aquifolium 1 bush.
Quercus robur 1 tree plus some seedlings in grass.
Tilia sp. 1 spec. by track from spring to Centre Road.
Tilia x europaea 4 specs. by Aldersbrook Road.
Ulmus sp. 2 specs.
I1 (Copse just west of changing rooms)
Fagus sylvatica 9 specs.
Quercus robur Dominant species.
(Lining Capel Road)
Aesculus hippocastanum
I2 (South Copse)
Carpinus betulus 1 spec.
Castanea sativa 1 spec.
Fagus sylvatica Dominant species in S. part of copse.
Quercus robur Dominant in N. part of copse.
Tilia x europaea 3 specs.
(Lining Capel Road)
Aesculus hippocastanum
I2/3 (North Copse)
Betula sp. Only one spec. still alive.
Castanea sativa Approx. 9 specs.
Fagus sylvatica Co-dominant with Q. robur.
Quercus borealis Approx. 12 specs.
Quercus robur Co-dominant with F. sylvatica
Robinia pseudoacacia 3 specs.
Tilia x europaea 5 specs. amongst poplars
(For '1953' plantation see I4)
I4 ('1953' plantation including part of I3)
Betula sp. 1 spec.
Carpinus betulus
Crataegus monogyna
Fagus sylvatica
Quercus robur
(For Long Wood see H4)
I5 (Aldersbrook Road-side)
Acer pseudoplatanus One sapling among hawthorns
Crataegus monogyna Scattered along roadside
Tilia x europaea 1 spec.
? Unidentified sapling planted by roadside opposite Brading Crescent.
(By bus stop)
Carpinus betulus Saplings
Crataegus monogyna
Fagus sylvatica Saplings
Quercus robur Saplings
J1
Acer pseudoplatanus Three groups of young trees E. of changing rooms
Aesculus hippocastanum Lining Capel Road
Quercus robur One spec. opposite 86 Capel Road
J2
Aesculus hippocastanum Lining Capel Road
J2/3
Betula sp. Only 1 spec. alive
Fagus sylvatica About 16 specs.
Quercus borealis About 14 specs.
Quercus robur About 10 specs.
Sorbus sp. 2 specs.
Tilia x europaea 1 spec.
J4
(No trees)
J5
Aesculus x carnea Isolated small tree opposite Park Rd.
Crataegus monogyna Plentiful
(West edge of walled area)
Aesculus hippocastanum 2 specs.
Acer campestre 2 specs.
Acer pseudoplatanus 5 specs.
Carpinus betulus 1 spec.
Quercus robur 6 specs
Tilia x europaea 11 specs.
(South edge of walled area)
Acer pseudoplatanus 4 specs.
Aesculus hippocastanum 2 specs.
Fagus sylvatica 10-20 specs.
Fraxinus excelsior 1 spec.
Quercus robur 10-20 specs.
Tilia x europaea 10-20 specs.
(East edge of walled area)
Acer pseudoplatanus A few specs.
Aesculus hippocastanum 2 specs.
Carpinus betulus 1 spec.
Fagus sylvatica Co-dominant species with Q. robur
Quercus robur Co-dominant species with F. sylvatica
Tilia sp. A few specs.
Betula sp. In playing field building enclosure
Platanus x hybrida Lining Aldersbrook Road
K1/2 (Capel Road-side)
Acer pseudoplatanus One sapling opposite 111 Capel Road
Crataegus monogyna Roadside hedge
Crataegus oxyacanthoides One specimen opposite 94 Capel Road
Quercus robur Lining Road
K3 (For islands of Alexandra Lake see I3)
K4
Platanus x hybrida Lining Aldersbrook Road
L1
Acer pseudoplatanus 2 small trees, opposite 152 and 159
Crataegus monogyna Capel Road-side hedge
Quercus robur Lining Capel Road
L2 (By Capel Road-side)
Crataegus monogyna A few specs.
Ulmus sp. One tree stump regenerating
(East of Alexandra Lake and elsewhere on Flats)
Acer pseudoplatanus 2 specs.
Betula pendula 1 spec. E. of Alexandra Lake
Crataegus monogyna Predominant species
Crataegus oxyacanthoides 1 spec. S.E. corner of Alexandra Lake
Ilex aquifolium Some small bushes
Sambucus nigra Some small trees
(For islands of Alexandra Lake see L3)
L3 (Alexandra Wood - north of lake)
Acer campestre 2 specs.
Acer platanoides
Acer pseudoplatanus 5 specs.
Aesculus hippocastanum 4 specs.
Alnus glutinosa 1 spec.
Betula sp. 2 spec. alive
Carpinus betulus 10 specs.
Crataegus monogyna Common
Fagus sylvatica Most abundant species
Ilex aquifolium A few specs.
Pinus nigra laricio 1 spec.
Platanus x hybrida 1 spec. in wood; rest lining road
Quercus borealis 1 spec.
Quercus robur 15 specs.
Tilia x europaea 14 specs.
Ulmus glabra 1 tree; 1 stump
(Islands on Alexandra Lake; inc. K3 and L2)
The islands have not been closely studied but the following species are thought to be present:
Betula sp.
Prunus sp.
Quercus robur
Salix caprea caprea
M1 (West side of Forest Drive)
Acer pseudoplatanus One small tree among hawthorns
Crataegus monogyna Scattered
M2 (West side of Forest Drive)
Crataegus monogyna Scattered in rough grass and in wood
Platanus x hybrida Lining Forest Drive
(Wood west of Forest Drive)
Acer pseudoplatanus 4 specs.
Carpinus betulus 4 specs.
Fagus sylvatica 1 spec.
Pyrus communis 12 spec. by roadside
Quercus borealis 1 specs
Quercus robur Predominant species
(East side of Forest Drive)
Acer pseudoplatanus 3 specs. in W. part of wood
Carpinus betulus 5 specs. in W. part of wood; 1 in E.
Fagus sylvatica Co-dominant with Q. robur in wood
Platanus x hybrida Lining Forest Drive
Quercus borealis 1 spec. in W. part of wood
Quercus robur Co-dominant with F. sylvatica
Tilia x europaea 4 specs. in W. part of wood
M3 (South side of Aldersbrook Road)
Crataegus monogyna Scattered
Platanus x hybrida Lining Aldersbrook Road
N1
Acer pseudoplatanus 2 specs.
Crataegus monogyna Scattered
Crataegus oxyacanthoides 2 specs.
Malus sp. 1 or more specs.
Platanus x hybrida Lining Forest Drive and Forest View Road; and surrounding the fenced area.
Prunus avium 2 or 3 trees in S.W. corner of square; 2 trees in N. edge of square
Prunus serrulata 8 specs.
N2
Acer pseudoplatanus Both sides of Aldersbrook Road
Platanus x hybrida Both sides of Aldersbrook Road
O1
Acer pseudoplatanus 1 spec.
Crataegus oxyacanthoides 3 specs.
Platanus x hybrida Lining Forest View Road and Aldersbrook Road
SPECIES LIST OF TREES OF WANSTEAD FLATS
1 Acer campestre FIELD MAPLE
2 Acer platanoides NORWAY MAPLE
3 Acer pseudoplatanus SYCAMORE
4 Aesculus x carnea RED HORSE CHESTNUT
5 Aesculus hippocastanum HORSE CHESTNUT
6 Betula sp. BIRCH
7 Alnus glutinosa ALDER
8 Carpinus betulus HORNBEAM
9 Castanea sativa SWEET CHESTNUT
10 Crataegus monogyna HAWTHORN
11 Crataegus oxyacanthoides MIDLAND HAWTHORN
12 Fagus sylvatica BEECH
13 Fraxinus excelsior ASH
14 Ilex aquifolium HOLLY
15 Laburnum anagyroides LABURNUM
16 Malus sp. APPLE
17 Pinus nigra laricio CORSICAN PINE
18 Platanus x hybrida LONDON PLANE
19 Populus nigra 'Italica' LOMBARDY POPLAR
20 Populus tremula ASPEN
21 Populus x canadensis HYBRID POPLAR
22 Pyrus communis PEAR
23 Prunus avium WILD CHERRY
24 Prunus serrulata JAPANESE CHERRY
25 Quercus borealis RED OAK
26 Quercus robur PEDUNCULATE OAK
27 Quercus serrulata TURKEY OAK
28 Robinia pseudoacacia LOCUST TREE
29 Salix caprea caprea GREAT SALLOW
30 Sambucus nigra ELDER
31 Sorbus aria WHITEBEAM
32 Sorbus aucuparia ROWAN
33 Tilia cordata SMALL-LEAVED LIME
34 Tilia x europaea COMMON LIME
35 Ulmus glabra WYCH ELM
36 Ulmus procera ENGLISH ELM
Man-made Features
Buildings, Constructions, Stones and Signs, Foundations.
This section contains some features of Wanstead Flats that may not be so obvious to the casual visitor, or may have been overlooked or disregarded by those more familiar.
1. Cattle Pound. This wooden-fenced enclosure was situated between the east wall of Heatherwood Close and the Playing Field Buildings by Aldersbrook Road. A notice informed that "Entry to this enclosure is strictly forbidden....£200 Maximum Fine" By 2005 the enclosure had been removed. (photos)
1b. Cattle Signs. These roadsigns are not in the Forest, but are on adjacent roads in various locations. An example in Forest Drive, Manor Park was finally removed on 16 February, 2007. (photo)
2. Drinking Fountain - Wanstead Flats. This is near the junction of Capel Road and Woodford Road, Forest Gate. The fountain is dedicated to the memory of Joseph Fry, 1809-96. Joseph Fry was a Quaker and philanthropist, the son of Elizabeth Fry the famous prison reformer. He was the Chairman of the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association, and the inscription reads: JOSEPH FRY / BORN SEPT 20 1809 / DIED DEC 25 1896. It is of polished granite or marble, approximately 300cm high x 110cm at widest point, the bowl. There is no water supply and the taps and chained bowls for provision of water are missing. (photo)
3. Ceramic Drains - Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats. Still just visible in 2002 were pieces of the drain pipe that was installed a year or two after Alexandra Lake was created early in the 20th century, to take surface water from Aldersbrook Road into the lake. One is located opposite the shops and part of it is now buried within the root system of a London plane tree. Presumably the drain and the tree were planted about the same time and the girth of the tree has now encompassed the drain. The other is more intact, and is closer to the car parking area at the NW corner of the lake. (photos)
4. Overflow Drains - Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats. Two cement-faced structures in the NE corner of the lake are to prevent the lake from reaching such a height as to overflow onto Aldersbrook Road. (photo)
5. P.O.W. Goalposts - Wanstead Flats. The last of the wooden uprights of goalposts, erected it is said by prisoners of war interred on Wanstead Flats, was still present until about 1998. No sign is now visible. They were west of Centre Road, about half way along the length of the Flats here. (photo)
6. Foundations of Buildings - Wanstead Flats.
(a) The foundations of two buildings can be found in the trees comprising Long Wood. They are thought to have been Nissen Huts, about 50 metres apart, and the eastern one is said to have housed telephone equipment and operators. (photos)
(b) A public toilet was situated north of Alexandra Lake just in the wood and almost opposite Wanstead Park Avenue. No outward sign remains, though a bramble patch lies in the approximate location.
(c) Another public toilet was located at the junction of Dames Road and Blake Hall Road. This was built as an underground structure, above which was a tree covered mound surrounded by railings. The mound is still a prominent feature and it is possible that much of the structure is still present below ground.
7. Tree Groups - Wanstead Flats. Apart from groups of trees planted for aesthetic reasons in various locations on the Flats, three may be of particular interest:
(a) Tree Circle. Near Angel Pond, Capel Road. This marks the position of a bandstand, surrounded by railings, erected at the turn of the 19/20th centuries by the Corporation of West Ham and demolished in 1957. (photo)
(b) Tree Circle. On Manor Park Flats 150 metres from the end of Capel Road. These, together with a metal fence, surrounded an underground Local Government Command Centre (London Borough of Newham). The fence has been removed, the above-ground entrance dismantled and the below-ground structure presumably has been filled in. (photo) A bandstand is also known to have been present in this vicinity.
(c) 1953 Plantation. A rectangle of tree known as the 1953 Plantation, planted to commemorate the coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. (photo) (See also no.8 below.)
8. Commemorative Plaque. This plaque is mounted on a low concrete plinth on the east edge of a rectangle of tree known as the 1953 Plantation. Though damaged by fire, it is still visible amongst brambles. The attached sign reads: THESE TREES COMMEMORATE THE CORONATION OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II 1953. FUND RAISED BY LOCAL SUBSCRIPTION (photo)
9. Metal Posts. Four metal posts situated 100 metres or so SW of the 1953 Plantation. They are probably tensioning posts for a wire fence which surrounded a rectangular area used for parachute-jump training purposes, certainly into the 1950s. It has been suggested that they may have been used to tether the barrage ballons which were used on the Flats during the war, but it is unlikely that they would have been substantial enough for that task. (photo)
10. Bus Shelter - Opposite St Gabriel's Church, Aldersbrook Road. This simple but attractive bus shelter stood on the edge of the Flats opposite Park Road for many years, but was removed in 2004. It was brick built, with a wooden roof, and seating was provided facing the road for bus passengers and - divided by a central wall - facing the Flats. Although the road-side seating was reasonable, that facing the Flats tended to be mis-used - sometimes slept in overnight or used for dubious purposes. For a number of years the structure had suffered damage by local youths in the form of graffiti and even burning of the seats and roof. This probably had considerable influence on the decision to remove it, although the area had also been proposed as the site of a children's playground. Whatever the reason, an attractive and unusual structure has now gone. (photo)