About

Brambly Hedge Trail in Epping Forest

Starting at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre, Rangers Road 

Trail length 2.4km (1.5 miles)

Free to access and open all the year round.

Brambly Hedge stories allow us into the world of the mice of Brambly Hedge, living together in a close-knit community, making best use of what each season has to offer. These delightful characters are now brought to life through 17 carved oak sculptures for all to enjoy along this very special trail through Epping Forest. The Brambly Hedge 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.

The characters you will meet on the trail are:

• 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

Hand-carved from sustainably sourced wood, 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.

Epping Forest are grateful to Brambly Hedge for allowing them to bring its beloved world to life once more in its original home, Epping Forest.