Hatfield Forest is an ancient royal hunting forest, and considered to be one of the best-preserved medieval forests in the world. In the past, deer were kept in the forest for hunting. Today you'll find deer aplenty still, though no longer pursued for the same reason.

The forest boasts ancient trees, over 3,500 species of fungi, rare insects and a diverse array of birdlife. There's also a beautiful lake, café and river that meanders through.

Sasha Taylor

August 17, 2021

Hatfield Forest is a 403.2 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Essex, three miles east of Bishop's Stortford. It is also a National Nature Reserve and a Nature Conservation Review site. It is owned and managed by the National Trust. A medieval warren in the forest is a Scheduled Monument.

Hatfield is the only remaining intact Royal Hunting Forest and dates from the time of the Norman kings. Other parts of the once extensive Forest of Essex include Epping Forest to the southwest, Hainault Forest to the south and Writtle Forest to the east. Hatfield Forest was established as a Royal hunting forest in the late eleventh century, following the introduction of fallow deer and Forest Laws were imposed on areas by the king. Deer hunting and chasing was a popular sport for Norman kings and lords and the word ‘forest’ strictly means place of deer rather than of trees. In the case of Hatfield the area under Forest Law consisted of woodlands with plains.

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Elevation 90 m

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Wednesday 24 December

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Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

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Location: Hatfield Broad Oak, Uttlesford, Essex, East Of England, England, United Kingdom

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Hatfield Forest Lake

1. Hatfield Forest Lake – Hatfield Forest Cafe loop from Takeley Street

2. Hatfield Forest Lake – Hatfield Forest Café loop from Takeley Street

3. Hatfield Forest Café – Hatfield Forest Lake loop from Takeley

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