Essex Wildlife Trust, Abbotts Hall Farm, Gt Wigborough, Colchester, Essex CO5 7RZ
Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Telephone: 01206 729678
Email: click here
Address: South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Essex, CO5 7DN
Grid ref: TM 048 193 (click for O/S map)
The Visitor Centre - the Trust's first - was opened in 1975. With the superb Colne estuary on its doorstep, and surrounded by one of the finest nature reserves in the county, it is attractive to families, organised wildlife groups, school parties and walkers. The visitor centre facilities include gift shop offering light refreshments, toys, books, optics, bird feeders & feed, greeting cards and much more, Viewing tower & observation room with panoramic views. Toilets, baby changing facilities, wheel chair, hearing loop available. Information on ³access for all² is available in various formats. Out on the reserve you will find a picnic area, nature trails & bird hides (some easy access) and view points with stunning estuary views. Numerous benches located around the reserve. We offer a full diary of events for both children & adults throughout the year which includes a weekly toddler group. Also available during opening hours are Gem Stone Panning and Nature Reserve Activity Bag Hire. Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm. Closed Monday, except Bank Holidays. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. 01206 729678
For more about the nature reserve click here
Three miles south-east of Colchester and signposted from there with brown and white Nature Reserve signs. Take the B1025 from Colchester to Mersea for three miles. Cross the Roman River bridge and immediately turn left and follow the signs to the nature reserve
Open: 9am - 5pm daily, closed Mondays except Bank Holidays. All visitors to the nature reserve are required to enter the Fingringhoe Centre first, to obtain a day permit. The Trust invites a suggested donation: £2per adult & £5* per family (* 2 adults & 2 children) Group visits of parties of more than ten people are welcome, but please advise in advance by calling 01206 729678.
NEW FOR 2008! This year will see 6 late night openings visitor centre & nature reserve. Late night opening will provide visitors with a chance to see our more nocturnal mammals and birds. See events list for dates & times.
Booking essential for all except free events: phone 01206 729678
Thu 7 Aug 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Bugs and Beasties
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Fri 8 Aug 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Dungeons and Dragons
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Tue 12 Aug 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Shells and Shores
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Wed 13 Aug 10.30am-12pm Family Nature Day: Junk Modelling
Bring the whole family along to a fun activity on the nature reserve. Children of any age welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Donation: £5/child (Adults free)
Wed 13 Aug 1pm-2.30pm Family Nature Day: Junk Modelling
Bring the whole family along to a fun activity on the nature reserve. Children of any age welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Donation: £5/child (Adults free)
Thu 14 Aug 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Under the Sea
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Fri 15 Aug 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Barmy Bugs
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Sun 17 Aug 10am-1pm Plants, Trees and their hidden uses & traditions
Join Kris Miners for an informative walk around our Nature Reserve. You will be guided around the reserve and on the way you will learn about the hidden uses and the folklore of our wild plants and trees. For further info on Kris and his course; www.greenmanbushcraft.co.uk Booking Essential
Donation: £12.00 per person
Tue 19 Aug 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Crabbing
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Wed 20 Aug 10.30am-12pm Family Nature Day: Meadow Madness
Bring the whole family along to a fun activity on the nature reserve. Children of any age welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Donation: £5/child (Adults free)
Wed 20 Aug 1pm-2.30pm Family Nature Day: Meadow Madness
Bring the whole family along to a fun activity on the nature reserve. Children of any age welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Donation: £5/child (Adults free)
Thu 21 Aug 9am - 8.30pm LATE NIGHT OPENING5
This unique opportunity will provide visitors with possible glimpses of our more nocturnal residents,
Donation: £2 per person / £5.00 per family (2adults & 2 children)
Thu 21 Aug 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Sand, soil, mud and mess!!!
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Fri 22 Aug 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Meadow Mayhem
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Tue 26 Aug 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Things that fly!
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Wed 27 Aug 10.30am-12pm Family Nature Day: Pond Crazy
Bring the whole family along to a fun activity on the nature reserve. Children of any age welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Donation: £5/child (Adults free)
Wed 27 Aug 1pm - 2.30pm Family Nature Day: Bug Hunt
Bring the whole family along to a fun activity on the nature reserve. Children of any age welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Donation: £5/child (Adults free)
Thu 28 Aug 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Tracks and trails
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Fri 29 Aug 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Rainforest Party
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Sun 31 Aug 1pm-2.30pm Family Nature Day: Crabbing
Bring the whole family along to a fun activity on the nature reserve. Children of any age welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Donation: £5/child (Adults free)
Sat 6 Sep 9am - 8pm LATE NIGHT OPENING 6 (last one of 2008)
The last chance of 2008 to visit the reserve later in the evening. This unique opportunity will provide visitors with possible glimpses of our more nocturnal residents,
Donation: £2 per person / £5.00 per family (2adults & 2 children)
Sun 7 Sep 10am - 4pm PHOTOGRAPHIC COURSE (General)
Need tip of the trade to get those fantastic photos? Then book a place on Daniels course. Whether your camera is basic or to of the range, Daniel will help you get those tremendous results. For more info on Daniels courses www.DanielBridge.co.uk booking Essential
Donation: £35.00 per person (inc lunch)
Fri 19 Sep 10am-11.30am Little Bugs Club
Little Bugs Club - Every Friday! Why not come along to a fun session for under 5's. There will be nature activities, singing and lots more! A snack is included. Please feel free to have your packed lunch on the nature reserve. NB. LBC doesn't run during holidays except for the summer (July and August).
Donation: £4/child adults free (discount for more than one child
Sun 21 Sep 3PM - 9PM FINGRINGHOE WICK; BADGER WORKSHOP & WATCH
This workshop is for anyone interested in the identification,natural history, ecology & conservation of badgers. Led by Don Hunford a local expert who has a tremendous knowledge of badgers, based on years of careful study and observation and has featured on television programmes about this fascinating mammal, including the Badger Night Live broadcasts. Book early as imited places available
Donation: £25.00 per person
Tue 28 Oct 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Birds of Fingringhoe
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Wed 29 Oct 10.30am-12pm Family Nature Day: Birds and Berries
Bring the whole family along to a fun activity on the nature reserve. Children of any age welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Donation: £5/child (Adults free)
Thu 30 Oct 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Autumn Berries
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Fri 31 Oct 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Halloween Arts and Crafts
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child
Fri 12 Dec 10am -11.30am Little Bugs Club
Last session before Christmas with a special visit from Father Christmas!! Why not come along to a fun session for under 5's. There will be nature activities, singing and lots more! A snack is included. Please feel free to have your packed lunch on the nature reserve.
Donation: £4/child (Adults free and discount for more than one child)
Sun 14 Dec 10.30am -3pm Winter Wonderland
Book your family on our annual Winter Wonderland Day here at Fingringhoe Wick, for a fun packed day at the reserve, with a winter trail and visit to Father Christmas in his grotto (optional). Winter Wonderland Trail ~ Make & Take ~ Christmas Crafts ~ Refreshments . BOOKING ESSENTIAL- Adults free
Donation: £4/child + £2.50/child for a visit to Father Christmas's grotto (Adults free)
Fri 19 Dec 10.30am -12pm Family Nature Day: Christmas Arts and Crafts
Bring the whole family along to a fun activity on the nature reserve. Children of any age welcome but must be accompanied by an adult(babes in arms go free) Booking Essential.
Donation: £5/child (Adults free)
Tue 23 Dec 10.30am -3pm Wildlife Discovery Day: Christmas Fun and Games
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential.
Donation: £10/child