A NEW FOREST OF WALTHAM. 2/ 



to dream of a recreated Hainhault, possibly in connection witb 

 a Government School of Forestry. The enthusiasm and 

 determined purpose of Mr. E. N. Buxton were needed to 

 " materialise " the dream and to bring the problem of the 

 re-affbrestation of Hainhault within the sphere of practical 

 social politics. 



The remnants of Hainhault, still in a more or less forestal 

 condition, included in Mr. Buxton's scheme, are five in number, 

 and are of very varying extent. The most important is 

 called " Lambourne Forest," which, as above mentioned, was 

 not enclosed, the manorial privileges remaining with Colonel 

 Lockwood, and the forest is still subject to common rights^ 

 This block is about i88 acres in extent, and is a charming piece 

 of woodland, similar to parts of Epping Forest. It is most 

 valuable and interesting, inasmuch as it affords a picture of 

 what old Hainhault must have been in the days of its beauty 

 {Plates I. and III.). Adjoining this are three portions of the old 

 forest, comprising 14 acres of common, and two plots of enclosed 

 land, 52 acres and 22 acres respectively, much of which is still 

 well timbered. All these lands are contiguous, but the fifth 

 forestal section is far away towards Woodford Bridge, and is 

 known as Grange Hill Forest, about 80 acres. It is very pretty 

 woodland, part of the untouched old forest, and is therefore a 

 most desirable acquisition. But it constitutes a distinct feature 

 in the scheme, and will probably be under separate control, as 

 hinted below. 



The cleared land includes 52 acres of the old forest, which was 

 set out under the Allotment Award as a Common for the parish 

 of Lambourne, but which has been for many years under culti- 

 vation. It lies on the slope of a hill, commanding extensive 

 views over the adjoinmg country. And lastly comes what is, 

 perhaps, the most remarkable item in Mr. Buxton's scheme. It 

 is a block of land known as Fox Burrows Farm, comprising no 

 less than 475 acres of arable land [Plate II.). This forms part 

 of the Crown assignments under the original Act of Enclosure, 

 and the Commissioners of His Majesty's Woods and Forests are 

 willing to sell the land at agricultural value, provided it is dedi- 

 cated to the public as an open space. It is high rolling ground, 

 rising in parts to 300 above O.D., and its hill-sides fall in gentle 

 overlapping lines. " From its higher ground the eye ranges 



