[2] Like much of the neighbouring area, Lambourne was thickly wooded in the Middle Ages with forest gradually being cleared for agriculture.

A few remnants of the historic Hainault Forest are found in the southern fringe of the parish, and now form part of a country park.

To the south of the parish, and extending into Greater London, is Hainault Forest Country Park, managed by the Woodland Trust.

The medieval parish church of St Mary is in an isolated location next to the Hall, as is typical for Essex, rather than near a centre of population.

[4] Lieutenant Colonel Amelius Lockwood, 1st Baron Lambourne, soldier and politician, is buried in the churchyard.