Up until World War II, Belhus House stood in its own grounds (a park designed by Capability Brown), in the wooded landscape of this part of Essex. The Estate has existed since before 1619 and is now in the ownership of the Woodland Trust, Essex County Council and Thurrock Council.

Belhus Park was unfortunately pulled down in the 1960s and many of the artefacts were destroyed. Some of the foundations can still be seen in the centre of what is now a golf course.

The applicants are a Local Heritage Group with over 150 members who represent a broad cross section of the community.

The group are creating a three mile circular heritage trail, around which visitors will be guided by a series of interpretation boards, and a self-guided trail leaflet. Members of the group are carrying out research into the history of the site and are identifying a suitable theme, in order to produce text and photographs for the interpretation material.

On completion, a launch event will be organised to celebrate the opening of the trail. The Woodland Trust are working closely with the group throughout the life of the project.