Porters Farm is a family business incorporating a 10-acre secure dog-walking field, a rustic, off-grid Shepherd’s Hut and a beautifully-restored 18th century traditional Essex Barn

Ruffian Wood was planted in 2005, and is one of 27 deciduous native broad-leaf woods planted to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It was carefully designed to create paths through the woodland and open stretches of grass, plus a pond with an island. It is completely secure, surrounded by a 6ft deer fence, with chicken wire. It is the perfect place for dogs to be dogs: to run free and explore all the different areas, to have a swim to cool off in the summer. Ideal for recall training, or if you have a reactive or nervous dog, you can relax knowing that you have the whole place to yourself. The secure space is also perfect if your dog is in season, or if you want to meet friends for dog walks and a picnic in private. 

It is a haven for nature and wildlife (see the gallery below) – you might spot red kites, sparrow hawks, yellowhammers, green woodpeckers and woodcock. Other highlights include rare butterflies, such as the purple emperor, and in the spring, there are wild orchids and ox-eye daisies, plus apples and blackberries in the autumn.