Grove Woods & Playing Fields

Grove Woods & Playing Fields are located between Rayleigh and Eastwood, forming a haven for both people and wildlife. Located between the suburban development of Rayleigh and the intensively farmed land of the Roach Valley, the woods can be reached from Grove Road or Connaught Road, Rayleigh.

The trees and plants of this woodland are a curious mixture of common hedgerow plants and exotic garden plants including oak, hawthorn, stitchwort campion, goldenrod, snowberries and fruit trees.

The woods reveal clues to both medieval farmland and a lost community, which flourished and declined during the first half of this century. The woods are owned and managed by Rochford District Council to preserve the historic landscape and encourage plants and wildlife.

The playing fields boast lots of activities for all the family including several football pitches, a children’s play area, a sports pavilion, basketball rings and a BMX track on the north of the woods.