Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park
9th February 2023
The 100-acre nature reserve abutts the 870 acre Hanningfield Reservoir and offers some beautiful walks through woodland, taking in bird hides, ponds and views across the reservoir. The site is run in partnership with Essex & Suffolk Water and you can walk through the reserve to the Essex & Suffolk Water Fishing Lodge and the Cafe-on-the-Water. The reservoir itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the important numbers of wildfowl that use the reservoir in the autumn and winter, including Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Pochard. Thirty acres of the woodland are ancient in origin and spring flowers include carpets of bluebells and stitchwort.
It is easy to get confused by the layout of the paths, but there are many numbered market posts and with the aid of a map you soon find your way around. There is lots for children to do and see, including "Wind in The Willows" themed animal carvings. A sheet expaining these is available at the lodge, and you can do brass rubbings from small brass plaques adjacent to each of the carvings. |
Marker Posts
Carved animals from "Wind in the Willows"
The 4.2 Km Circuit from the Fisherman's Lodge
| Distance |
Time |
Elevation in meters |
Km |
Elapsed
Hrs-Mins |
Moving
Hrs-Mins |
Gain |
Loss |
Min |
Max |
| 4.2 |
0H50 |
0H45 |
30 |
30 |
56 |
74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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The red dots show the 4.2 km route. This can be shortened to 3.4 km by omitting the Hawks Wood section.
Entrance from the Fisherman's Lodge
Looking over the reservoir, unusually low for this time of year
Marker Post 14
Benches by Marker Post 9
Rawl Hide
Mr Toad
Ratty
Heading towards the Nature Discovery Centre
Mr. Mole
The Weasels
Lyster Hide
Mr. Badger
Nature Discovery Centre
Turning right towards Marker Post 34
Mr. Otter
Path runs parallel to Hawkswood Road
First set of swinging gates
First snow drops of the year
Looking over the second set of swinging gates towards Hawks Wood
Entering Hawks Wood
Ant's Nest, for children's interest and education
Turn left at this point to shorten the route to 3.4 km
Volunteers out cutting fallen trees
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