Visit a Nature Discovery Centre

Dave Watts

Explore Essex Wildlife Trust’s Centres

Essex Wildlife Trust’s Nature Discovery Centres are perfect gateways to the natural world. Each centre offers a unique experience, nestled into different landscapes, with educational opportunities and events, cafés, play areas and shops to enjoy.

Whether you are a seasoned nature enthusiast, a family looking for a fun day out, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, our Nature Discovery Centres provide the ideal setting. Your visit helps support conservation efforts to protect wildlife in Essex.

Nature Reserve

Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

A globally important wetland site, crucial for wildfowl, with 40,000 ducks, swans and geese visiting each year.

Nature Reserve

Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre

Offers stunning views over London from the hilltop location in Bedfords Park, meet the deer and enjoy the play area.

Nature Reserve

Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre

The gateway to the Daws Heath Woodland, enjoy woodland colours and the chance to see rare butterflies.

Front of Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Centre

Nature Reserve

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park

Fingringhoe Wick was Essex Wildlife Trust's first nature reserve (1961), some years later it was where the Trust opened their…

Nature Reserve

Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

Nestled into a serene woodland setting, with nature trails, bird hides and wonderful panoramic views over the 870 acre reservoir.

Nature Reserve

Ingrebourne Nature Discovery Centre

Essex Wildlife Trust's Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre is a partnership project between Essex Wildlife Trust and…

Nature Reserve

Langdon Nature Discovery Park

Our largest inland nature reserve, enjoy ancient woodland, orchid meadows, ponds and the old plotlands.

Nature Reserve

The Naze Nature Discovery Centre

The Naze is a unique coastal landscape of outstanding geological and biological importance. As the most easterly peninsula in Essex it…

Nature Reserve

Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre

The Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre is situated in Thorndon Country Park. There are some fantastic walks through ancient woodland and…

Nature Reserve

Thameside Nature Discovery Park

Essex’s great transformation story, enjoy birdwatching and walking trails along the banks of the Thames.

Plan your visit

Opening times:

Our centres and parks are open year-round, except Christmas Day. Summer hours 10am – 5pm (11 February – 31 October), Winter hours 10am – 4pm (1 November – 10 February).

Please check individual centre pages for specific times before visiting.

Accessibility:

We strive to make our centres accessible to everyone. Please check individual centre pages for detailed accessibility information.

Events and activities:

Join our guided walks, evening displays, art exhibitions, weekly pre-school groups, holiday events and more. Discover all our events.