The Common

Danbury Common

Danbury Common, spanning 70.2 hectares (173 acres), is a valued biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Danbury, Essex, England. Predominantly common land managed by the National Trust, it includes two areas, the Backwarden and Hitchcock’s Meadows, which are integral to the Essex Wildlife Trust’s Danbury Ridge Nature Reserves.

This site represents one of the largest remaining heathlands in the county, featuring bracken, gorse scrub, and woodlands dominated by oak and birch. The terrain varies, with upper regions on glacial gravel and lower areas comprising boggy heath and woodlands. The woodland ground is adorned with bluebells and anemones, while the meadows host rare species like meadow saxifrage and hoary cinquefoil. Notably, the common is a prime habitat for the rosy marbled moth and is dotted with several ponds.

Danbury Common is not only a significant expanse of common land in Essex but also a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. The National Trust holds most of the common, with the Backwarden and Hitchcock’s Meadows forming part of the Essex Wildlife Trust’s Danbury Ridge Nature Reserves. The landscape is characterized by steep slopes, undulating heathland paths, and woodland trails, which may become slippery in winter. Visitors should note the presence of reptiles, such as adders, and are advised to supervise their dogs closely.

For more information please see the National Trust webpage