Keep out the chill with Forty Hall Walk

Date – Sunday 11th December 2011
Time – 10.00am
Venue – Meet at Forty Hall main car park, Forty Hill, Enfield, EN2

Find out more about deciduous winter trees and how you can identify them; also learn of the birds that spend their winter surviving in our green spaces. Watch out for the Christmas bird, the robin, who may visit walkers on the way. There is also a chance to see woodpeckers, song thrushes, starlings and finches.

Visit the ancient site of Elsyng Palace, once frequented by King Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I, and marvel at how this palace, which came into the hands of Henry in 1539, boasted great splendour.  See also the site of the house in Gough Park that was bought by Henry Gough MP in 1719, and view a redundant section of the New River which can be seen there.

Whitewebbs itself is steeped in history being one of the last remnants of the ancient woodlands of Enfield Chase where many a hunting party, including monarchs, used to hunt deer and wild boar till 1799. If you search closely you may find a buried musket ball as they are often found in the area.

Cllr Bambos Charalambous, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture said “This Sunday’s walk is for anyone interested in the history and nature which we have in abundance in Enfield.

“Many believe that our wildlife and birds go to ground in winter, but this is not so. See for yourself how these beautiful parks are alive with fascinating trees, animals and birds.

“See also the site of Elsyng Palace, which as we celebrate Christmas would have seen great festivities and feasts of its own during its heyday. A fascinating walk and an ideal way to spend Sunday.”