Brambly Hedge Trail
The books, written and illustrated by Jill Barklem, were first published in 1980. Jill lived locally to Epping Forest and drew inspiration for the enchanting world of Brambly Hedge from the trees and hedgerows in this area.
We are delighted to celebrate this rich cultural heritage through The Epping Forest Brambly Hedge Trail.
The Trail
Along the Trail you will find 17 carved oak sculptures of characters from the Brambly Hedge books in Epping Forest. A Trail map is available to buy from the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford, enabling you to tick off each character as you go and return to collect a completer's sticker at the end.
Every sculpture is hand-carved from sustainably sourced wood, to blend with the ancient woodland surroundings.
Which characters will you see?
- Wilfred Toadflax (explorer)
- Mrs Apple
- Mr Apple
- Primrose Woodmouse
- Wilfred Toadflax (with whistle)
- Poppy Eyebright
- Old Mrs Eyebright
- Dusty Dogwood
- Old Vole
- Basil Brightberry
- Lord Woodmouse
- Lady Woodmouse
- Mrs Crustybread
- Mrs Toadflax
- Clover Toadflax
- Catkin Toadflax
- Mr Toadflax
Each of the wooden characters feature their names in braille and you can find a tactile panel to the rear of each of them too, adding a variety of ways to experience the Trail.
Starting point
Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford
Distance: 2.4km (1.5 miles)
Terrain: The Gloucester Ride between the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford and Connaught Water follows a gentle slope. There is a short but steep incline leading up to Connaught Water, though once there you’ll find a surfaced path around the lake. Stout footwear and weather appropriate clothing recommended. Ground conditions vary seasonally.
We are grateful to Brambly Hedge for allowing us to bring its beloved world to life once more in its original home, Epping Forest.
Our thanks also go to Epping Forest District Council for supporting the installation of 12 of the 17 Brambly Hedge figures, through Rural England Prosperity Funding, and to the community whose generous donations have made the Trail possible. We are also grateful to members of the local community who donated to the wooden sculpture trail, contributing towards the Epping Forest Brambly Hedge Trail.
