Swaines
Green is an area of land on the edge of Epping in Essex. It is
made up of three fields: Forties Field and two Lincolns fields,
which date back to approximately 1200 AD. The fields are small
by today's standards and are bounded on all sides by hegerows.
On one side of all three fields is Bolt Cellar Lane which is cut
across at right angles by a series of streams and ditches that
eventually flow into Cobbins Brook, the small river leading to
Epping Upland.
There is firm evidence that the field boundaries are the original Saxon/Norman demarcations and the hedgerows have been dated back to the pre-Tudor era. The fields and hedgerows of Swaines Green are the oldest historical feature in the area and are an immediately visible reminder of the time when our ancestors cleared the wildwood to begin farming in Epping. We are very fortunate to be able to hold these fields in trust for future generations.
OUR AIMS
The main aim of The Friends of Swaines Green is to preserve the unique nature and character of Swaines Green and also to purchase the area for the community (at present it is privately owned).
Regular Conservation Days are held to maintain the area, to allow easy public access and to encourage the diversity of the flora and fauna.