Tucked away on the floodplain of the River Blackwater in Essex, is something quite unique - the remnants of a petrified wood.
If you don't know the area well you're going to have quite a hard time tracking down this little gem, but it's worth a trip if you're looking to do a little bit of exploration on a quiet weekend!
How to get here.
If you're not sure how to get here, it's probably easiest if you follow Google Maps to St Mary's Church in Mundon Wash. It will look like you're heading into the depths of the Essex countryside and you'll know you're there when you see a farm on your left and a little turning to your right by a lake. You can park just to the side of the lake and walk round toward the church to get your exploration started. It's actually worth stopping in the church if you have time, it's quite a unique building.
Head around the church and across a field towards the pond. If you walk around the pond to the right you'll head through into the next field and the petrified Oaks will be on your left.
What happened to the trees?
The once magnificent oak trees, are believed to be part of a forest which was once used by the Royal fleet for building ships, now while the oaks are still there, they stand alone as sinister pillars in a baron landscape.
If you believe in witches and supernatural goings on then you'll believe that the area is haunted and the trees have been poisoned by evil energies.
If you'd rather have a scientific answer then most people believe a change in the water table is the reason for the petrification.
The wrap up
While the farmer has cleared some of the trees in recent years to plant new live Oaks and sheep graze in the field, the trees are still something completely unique for the area and it's a great draw for an isolated and unique church. You'll bump into a lot of wildlife on your walk and no doubt spot some the pheasants and a variety of smaller birds.
If you're looking for a Sunday walk give this a shot - there are some great views across Lawling creek toward Maylandsea too!
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