There are plenty of footpaths in the surrounding areas for you to enjoy, including established walks such as the John Ray Walk and the Essex Way. 

The John Ray walk is based on the countryside that John Ray would have known as a young boy. He is our local hero and was latterly called the 'father of botany' for his observations of plants. He was the first to use the term 'pollen' and 'petal' to describe plants. The walk runs through Black Notley Hall farm where the farming operations are based. 

Who is John Ray?

John Ray the was the first to use the descriptions of 'petal' and 'pollen' in his book 'Historia Plantarum'. The first two volumes of identified over 6,900 different species of British and European Plants. The third volume, gives the descriptions of plants from Jamaica, after the visit by Ray's friend Sir Hans Sloane, founder of the British Museum and who invented milk chocolate.

History

John Ray was born in Black Notley, a small village 2 miles near the market town of Braintree, Essex. His father was the local blacksmith who would have looked after the horses working on the adjoining farm of Black Notley Hall Farm. His mother was the 'wise' woman, preparing herbal remedies from local plants to treat the sick villagers who were to poor to go to the doctor and it probably from her that his interest in botony started.

At the age of 10, Ray entered the local grammar school and won a scholarship to Cambridge University just aged over 16. He stayed to lecture in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Mathematics and Humanities.

To find our more about John Ray please click on the links below:-

Linnean Society 
The worldest oldest extant biological society which remains a leading forum for debate and discussion of natural history in all its branches.

The John Ray Initiative
An educational charity connecting science, the environment and religion.