Shenfield Common is a 13 hectare region of common land, located near Brentwood town centre. The common has a rich diversity of habitats including ponds, grassland and woodland. It's currently being managed by 'Shenfield Common Conservators', 'for the benefit of wildlife and nature conservation whilst allowing for informal public access.'
https://www.brentwood.gov.uk/index.php?cid=615
The common is an example of Greenbelt success! - in that in such an affluent suburban town, with clear an relatively efficient links to London, ancient woodland and public open greenspace has been preserved!
What is interesting about Brentwood, is the dominance of residential land usage over public amenities and industrial sites, compared to other towns in the UK - this is due to the proximity to London, pulling residents out of the town for work. Yet despite it's proximity to the city, the majority of ancient woodlands, grasslands and wetlands remain, thanks to the greenbelt. The etymology of Brentwood, 'Burnt Wood' [Middle English], hints at the dominant historic industry of the town, creating charcoal from the forest, illustrating a longstanding relationship between the town and surrounding greenspace.
