[1][2][3] The largest part of the SSSI is the 32.3-hectare (80-acre) Woodham Walter Common, which is managed by the Wildlife Trust on behalf of Maldon District Council and Woodham Walter Parish Council.

[4] The site is on glacial sand and gravel over London clay.

it has a number of areas of oak and hornbeam woodland on former heathland.

Uncommon ground plants are pill sedge, broad-leaved helleborine and lady-fern.

There are common brimstone and speckled wood butterflies, nightingales, hawfinches, badgers.