The woodland is over 1,000 years old and is home to rare and threatened species, historic features, and a Nature Discovery Centre.

Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre is a visitor, community, and education centre. It is an important gateway to the Belfairs & Daws Heath Living Landscape in south Essex, where Essex Wildlife Trust and Southend-on-Sea City Council, together with many partners and local people, are working on conservation and education activities to preserve this fantastic landscape for future generations.