It is a Local Nature Reserve,[1][2] and parts are a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

[3] Hockley Woods are the largest residual area of the wildwood, which covered much of Essex after the Ice Age, 10,000 years ago.

Trees have recently (2022) been planted in the arable field to the south of Parson' s Snipe The woods are on pre-glacial gravels and clay.

The wooded areas are an intricate mosaic of various trees, every species developing under appropriate conditions.

It is also the location for Hockley Woods parkrun, a free, weekly, timed 5km running event held every Saturday at 9 am.

The wood is a public open space bordered by housing, a school and a community centre car park.

It has a rich flora including Wild Service, Crab Apple, and hart's tongue fern.

It has a rich flora and is much shaded and with an acid soil, the grass Milium effusum is in profusion.

It has abundant flora including Wild Service, bluebell, and three species of orchid.