A high point of land between Hawkwell and Hockley. Excellent walks can be made from the small parking area by the Scrubs woods. Walking west will lead eventually into Hockley woods while walking south-west will take you down to Eastwood and to Edwards Hall park.

Off of Green Lane in Eastwood, Edwards Hall Park is mainly composed of Meadowland with ancient hedges occupying an area of 32 acres.

This Park comprises four fields - Eight Acres, Fishpond, Little Brooklands and Great Brooklands. All are meadowland, still showing the distinctive undulations created when it was last ploughed by ridge and furrow technique in the 19th century. Medieval hedges along the eastern and northern boundaries of Fishpond are thought to form part of the old Rayleigh Park boundary. The pond near to the southern boundary is show on early tithe maps.

Until its acquisition by the Borough in the 1960's the park was part of the farm at Upper Edwards Hall.

Most of the park remains as meadowland, cut for hay in July each year. This makes it a delightful spot for picnicking and birdwatching with an abundance of wild plants, birds and butterflies.

The view from the parking area looking back towards Southend. At the time of this photograph the field pictured had a mixed flock of at least 50 Fieldfare and Redwing The path to the west leading to Hockley woods The road leading back to Hawkwell. Four Goldcrest were observed in the trees to the left during an RSPB field walk in October 1999

Directions

Take the B1013 Hall Road road from Rochford, after passing the signpost for Hawkwell look out for the Potash Garden and Plant Centre on your left. After passing the garden centre, take the small road to the left. Follow this road until you reach the parking area at the top.

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