Enjoy the perfect walk with your loved one.

Hanningfield Reservoir is set in 30 acres of ancient woodland with a spectator display of bluebells in the spring. The Reservoir is linked to the Essex Wildlife trust and run in partnership with Essex & Suffolk Water so you can walk through the reserve on many nature trails to reach the Fishing Lodge and the Cafe on the Water with amazing views over the lake.  It’s free entry for walks and bird watching and car park at either end. The centre has full disabled access as does the Lyster Bird hide that is a short distance away.  The reservoir is a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of the wildfowl during Autumn/Winter including Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Pochard. Also, thousands of Swifts, Swallows and Martins feeding over the water during peak fly hatches in the summer. The reserve has friendly staff in the visitor centre who are experienced in wildlife and can guide you around the reserve if you ask.

To find out more information please click on the link below –

https://www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/hanningfield

The country park is split into two sections and attracts a large number of woodland birds and butterflies.  In the spring the tranquil woodland is covered in bluebells and anemones. The two sections are linked by Old Thorndon Pastures which is restored traditional farmland gazed by cattle.  The park is an ancient habitat and historic deer park including Giant Oaks, parkland, Childerditch pond, a marsh and meadow, which is now managed by Essex Wildlife Trust and Essex County Council.  The reserve attracts over 100,000 visitors per year with the popular Gruffalo Trail and offers snacks and hot, cold refreshments and giftshop.  There is also Thorndon Park South to explore, both having a pay and display in their car parks and managed by the MiPermt if you pay online.

To find out more information please click on the link below –

https://www.explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/thorndon-country-park

Norsey Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and run by Basildon Council which dates back to the Iron Age times.  The woods have a variety of plants and animal life and provide habitats for threated and rare species such as the dormouse and pipistrelle bats. Norsey Wood is visited by 60,000 people per year and is ideal for walking and exercise with your dog. There are a variety of nature trails and mobility vehicle access is available with toilets, picnic areas and woodland events throughout the year. The Bluebell carpet covers the woodland floor between April and May which is a fantastic spectacle and you might be lucky enough to hear the greater spotted woodpecker.  Its located off of Outwood Common Road in Billericay, a short distance from Barleylands Café if you fancy a refreshment after a long walk.

To find out more information please click on the link below –

https://www.norseywoodsociety.uk/

The park was taken over by Essex County Council in 1953 to replant the woods lost in the second world war and is now a Grade 2 listed historic landscape. Famous for the Stick Man Trail and an ideal place to feed the deer.  The park is open everyday and is a pay and display carpark. You can also buy parking online through Mi Permit.  Weald Country Park is proud to be the recipient of the green Flag Award has toilet facilities and the Wiggly Bush Café offering indoor and outdoor seating with takeaway facilities. There is over 520 acres of woodland, lakes, grassland, wildflower meadows and a medieval deer park.  The Visitor Centre is located near the café, where you can by deer and duck food. of replanting the woods lost in the war began.

To find out more information please click on the link below –

https://www.visitessex.com/things-to-do/weald-country-park-p1267881

There is a unique sensory garden designed with both flowering and non flowering plants to appeal to the senses other than sight. There are a mixture of formal gardens and lots of open green space and a park mobility to support those who have difficulty in walking and battery powered scooters free of charge can be borrowed in the playing fields. The park can get busy during the school holidays as a new splash pad and indoor soft play centre opened early 2022.  There are toilet facilities and a new café which has opened serving a variety of refreshments.

To find out more information please click on the link below –

King George’s Playing Fields