Essex Wildlife Trust, Abbotts Hall Farm, Gt Wigborough, Colchester, Essex CO5 7RZ
What's on: Families & Children
For more details click on the location
Tue 29 Jul Wildlife Discovery Day: Incredible Insects
A day full of themed wildlife fun, games, activties and crafts. Suitable for 8 + year olds. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring along a packed lunch. Booking essential. 6 and 7 year olds welcome with an adult. 10.30am - 3pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Tue 29 Jul Family Nature Day: Art in the Woods
A fun morning of arts and crafts under the trees 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Tue 29 Jul Family Nature Day: Go Quackers
Meet the dabbling ducks on the lake, play duck games and make a 'quacking' mask to take home. 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Tue 29 Jul Wildlife Discovery Day: Amazing Animals
Wildlife themed day filled with lots of activities, games and crafts. Suitable for 7-11 year olds. (7 year olds must be accompanied by an adult). Bring a packed lunch and wear suitable clothing ! Advance booking and donation essential 10.30am-3pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Tue 29 Jul Family Nature Day: Puppets!
Use inspiration from the natural world to create your own puppet to take home 1.30 pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Wed 30 Jul Family Nature Day: Pond Postcards
Pond dip for summer swimmers then make a postcard to decorate on the reserve. 10.00am - 12noon
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 30 Jul Family Nature Day: Wild Treasure!
Go on a scavenger hunt then transform your finds into a fantastic nature mobile. 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 30 Jul Family Nature Day: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Follow the story trail through the woods, play games and see if your caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Wed 30 Jul Family Nature Day: Pond Dipping
Discover the amazing watery world of the pond and the creatures that live there. 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Wed 30 Jul Caterpillar Club
Wildlife fun and crafts in the park for pre school children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance booking essential 10am-12pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 30 Jul Family Nature Day: Brilliant Bees
See honey bees up close in our bee hive and have some fun learning about these amazing creatures! Wildlife themed afternoon filled with lots of activities and crafts.. Suitable for all the family. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying child 1.30pm-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 30 Jul to Sun 3 Aug Come along to Fingringhoe Wick and enjoy two hours of dinosaur art and craft followed by a fossil sand dig out on the reserve. Each child attending will receive a FREE FOSSIL to take home DINO Dates 30th & 31st July, 1st,2nd & 3rd August DINO Craft & Dig Sessions 10am – noon 12.30pm – 2.30pm 3pm – 5pm Donation £5.00 per child per session, adults free Children must be accompanied by an adult. DINO WEEK.... Summer Holiday Fun
Come along to Fingringhoe Wick and enjoy two hours of dinosaur art and craft followed by a fossil sand dig out on the reserve. Each child attending will receive a FREE FOSSIL to take home Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am – noon, 12.30pm – 2.30pm and 3pm – 5pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Wed 30 Jul ECC- Be a Badger
Explore the park using the senses of a badger. Learn about a badgers life. suitable for ages 3+. Pre-booking essential 10.00am
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Thu 31 Jul Wildlife Discovery Day: Watery Wonderland
A day full of themed wildlife fun, games, activties and crafts. Suitable for 8 + year olds. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring along a packed lunch. Booking essential. 6 and 7 year olds welcome with an adult. 10.30 am - 3pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Thu 31 Jul Family Nature Day: Minibeast Morning
Come and hunt for minibeasts at Bedfords Park. Wildlife themed morning filled with lots of activities and crafts.. Suitable for all the family. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying child 10am-12pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Thu 31 Jul Family Nature Day: Pond Dipping Afternoon
Wildlife themed afternoon filled with lots of activities and crafts.. Suitable for all the family. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying 1.30pm-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Thu 31 Jul Family Nature Day: Flap! Flap!
Who or what is flying high in the sky above Warren Gorge? 2 hours of craft, games, and fun for all. 10.30 am
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Thu 31 Jul Family Nature Day: Dinosaurs Trail
A self guided trail. Turn up any time between 1.30 pm and 3pm. Find the answers and claim your prize. 1.30 pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Fri 1 Aug Family Nature Day: Pond Patrol
A morning of pond dipping followed by an afternoon of pond inspired creations. 10.30am - 2.00pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 1 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: WOODLAND SAFARI
Brave the woodland jungle to discover who eats who! Back at the Visitor Centre create your own woodland mobile. Please wear old clothes and don't forget to bring a packed lunch. Booking advised. 10.30am-3pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Fri 1 Aug Nightwatcher
Come and enjoy the dark side of the park, bats, owls, moths and more. Pre-booking essential. This event will be at Thorndon Park South. 7.30
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Fri 1 Aug ECC-Knights, Princesses and Dragons Quest
Pick up a secret map and lead yourselves throught the woods.Solve riddles about magical long ago times. Collect a prize at the end. Suitable 3-8 years. Come in costume! 10.30-11.00am
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Sat 2 Aug to Sun 3 Aug Wild Night Out
Enjoy a whole night devoted to wildlife! Sleep under canvas and cook on a campfire, while enjoying a whole range of wildlife activities including bat detecting, torch light newt surveys, small mammal catching, night walk and more! All food, equipment and expertise provided. 7pm - 9am
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Sat 2 Aug Grub Club
Fun and activities in the woods for 5 to 7 year olds. Pre booking essential. 10.30am
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Mon 4 Aug A Brief Encounter with the natural world
Experience the woods in a different way using all your senses. Suitable for ages 3+. Pre-booking essential This event is at Thorndon South. 10.00 a.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Tue 5 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Pond dipping
Drop your children off at Fingringhoe for a fun packed day of wildlife themed activities. For 8- 12 year olds. Booking Essential. 10.30am-3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Tue 5 Aug Family Nature Day: Fabulous Fish!
For all you fish fans out there, a fishy trail, tag challenge and flying fish creation. 10.00am - 12noon
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Tue 5 Aug Family Nature Day: Minibeast Olympics
Net some meadow minibeasts and test their skills! 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Tue 5 Aug Family Nature Day: Bug Safari
Join us on a 'small game' safari! Explore the meadows in search of some cunning creepy crawlies 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Tue 5 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Survival Special
Build shelters and learn some bust craft skills on this survival special wildlife discovery day. Suitable for 7-11 year olds. (7 year olds must be accompanied by an adult). Bring a packed lunch and wear suitable clothing ! Advance booking and donation essential. 10.30am-3pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Tue 5 Aug Family Nature Day: Dragons and Damsels
Will you be able to find the damsels, and capture the dragons? Find out on this afternoon of fun and games 1.30 pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Tue 5 Aug Caterpillar Club
Fun and games in the woods for under 5's. Pre-booking essential. 10.00 a.m. & 2.00 p.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Tue 5 Aug Depth Explorers
What#s lurking in the depths of our pond? 2 hours of fun and activities in the park. Suitable for accompanied 6 to 12 year olds. Pre-booking essential 10.30 a.m. or 2.00 p.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Wed 6 Aug Family Nature Day: Pond dipping
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. 10.30am-12pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Wed 6 Aug Family Nature Day: Pond dipping
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. 1pm - 2.30pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Wed 6 Aug Family Nature Day: Animal Addresses
Find out about animal homes and then make your favourite animal and its hideout. 10.30am - 2.00pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 6 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Underwater Pretty Uglies
A day full of themed wildlife fun, games, activties and crafts. Suitable for 8 + year olds. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring along a packed lunch. Booking essential. 6 and 7 year olds welcome with an adult. 10.30am - 3pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 6 Aug Family Nature Day: Teddy Bears Picnic
Bring your favourite teddy for an adventure in the woods with games and crafts 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Wed 6 Aug Family Nature Day: Mystical Magical Creatures
Wildlife themed morning filled with lots of activities and crafts.. Suitable for all the family. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying 10am-12pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 6 Aug Family Nature Day: Mystical Magical Creatures
Wildlife themed afternoon filled with lots of activities and crafts.. Suitable for all the family. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying 1.30pm-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 6 Aug I'm a Kid, Get Me Out of Here!
Follow bushcraft expert Roy Spear's tips and pointers to learn how to survive in the wild. A self-led trail with a prize at the end. Suitable for families. Pre-booking essential. Meet Pavilion Cafe, Thorndon South 10.30 a.m. & 1.45 p.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Thu 7 Aug 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Thu 7 Aug Family Nature Day: Deeply Dippy
Use our nets to dip and make pond creature art. 10am - 12noon
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Thu 7 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: FROG FACE
Follow David Attenborough's lead and discover how many cold blooded amphibians and reptiles we have at Langdon. Back at the Visitor Centre make a Frog Mask to take home. 10.30am-3pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Thu 7 Aug Family Nature Day: Shelterbuilding Afternoon
Building shelters out in the woods. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Thu 7 Aug Family Nature Day: Get set, Go!
Who are the Olympic athletes of the animals world. Join us to find out and take part in some animal themed sports 10.30 am
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Thu 7 Aug Family Nature Day: Clay Modelling
Drop in and create a masterpiece from Clay. Anytime from 1.30 pm to 3 pm Booking Essential 1.30 pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Thu 7 Aug Big Bug-Little Bug. How many legs does a woodlouse have?
2 hours of fun and activities in the park. Suitable for accompanied 6 to 12 year olds. Pre-booking essential. 10.30 a.m. & 2.00 p.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Fri 8 Aug 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Fri 8 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Bushcraft Firestarters
Learn different ways to make a fire and do some bushcraft cooking. 10.30am - 3pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 8 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Devioud Disguises
A day full of themed wildlife fun, games, activties and crafts. Suitable for 8 + year olds. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring along a packed lunch. Booking essential. 6 and 7 year olds welcome with an adult. 10.30 am - 3pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 8 Aug Conservation Club - Practical Conservation For Young People
Suitable for 11 years +. ( secondary age ) Places limited so advance booking essential 10.am-3pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Sat 9 Aug to Sun 10 Aug Wild Night Out
Enjoy a whole night devoted to wildlife! Sleep under canvas and cook on a campfire, while enjoying a whole range of wildlife activities including bat detecting, torch light newt surveys, small mammal catching, night walk and more! All food, equipment and expertise provided. 7pm - 9am
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Mon 11 Aug Abberton Green Bunch Task Day
Conservation group for teenagers. Booking essential. 9am - 5pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Tue 12 Aug 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Tue 12 Aug Family Nature Day: Cold blooded Creatures!
Find out about snakes, frogs and lizards then model a 3D clay masterpiece. 10.30am - 2.00pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Tue 12 Aug Family Nature Day: Pond Dipping
Discover the amazing watery world of the pond and the creatures that live there. 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Tue 12 Aug Family Nature Day: Seashore Explorer
Go beach combing without getting your feet wet! Find out more about the wonderful wildlife of our coasts with games and crafts 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Tue 12 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Sealife Spectacular
Its national marine week so come to Bedfords Park to find out about soem amazing sea creatures! Wildlife themed day filled with lots of activities, games and crafts. Suitable for 7-11 year olds. (7 year olds must be accompanied by an adult). Bring a packed lunch and wear suitable clothing ! Advance booking and donation essential 10.30am-3pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Tue 12 Aug Family Nature Day: Pirates Ahoy!
Ahoy there ship mates. Join us for two hours of pirate fun at the Chafford Gorges Visitor centre. Booking Essential 1.30 pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Wed 13 Aug 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. 10.30am-12pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Wed 13 Aug 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. 1pm-2.30pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Wed 13 Aug Family Nature Day: Summer Safari
A mixture day of mini activities including outdoor art, trails and face painting. 10.30am - 2.00pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 13 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Sounds Dreadful! - natural sounds
A day full of themed wildlife fun, games, activties and crafts. Suitable for 8 + year olds. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring along a packed lunch. Booking essential. 6 and 7 year olds welcome with an adult. 10.30am - 3pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 13 Aug Family Nature Day: Orienteering
Test your navigation skills with our orienteering course and discover how green you are on the way 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Wed 13 Aug Family Nature Day: Arty Summer Fun
A fun afternoon of arts and crafts 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Wed 13 Aug Family Nature Day: Brilliant Butterflies
Butterfly themed morning filled with lots of activities and crafts.. Suitable for all the family. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying 10am-12.30
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 13 Aug Family Nature Day: Sealife Special
Its National Marine Week ! Find out about amazing sea creatures on this specail sealife afternoon. Wildlife themed afternoon filled with lots of activities and crafts.. Suitable for all the family. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 13 Aug Pirates and Mermaids
Can pirates and mermaids work together to solve the clues and complete the challenges to find Birdnest Beard's buried treasure? Suitable for ages 4+. Come in costume! Prpayment essential. 11.00 a.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Wed 13 Aug Family Fun Day - The Sky's the Limit
2 hours of fun and activities in the park. Suitable for accompanied 6 to 12 year olds. Pre-booking essential. 10.00 a.m. or 2.00 p.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Thu 14 Aug 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Thu 14 Aug Family Nature Day: Deeply Dippy
Use our pond nets to investigate pond wildlife, and then make pond art. 10am - 12noon
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Thu 14 Aug Family Nature Day: Minibeast Hunters
Hunt the minibeasts in our meadow and make minibeast art. 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Thu 14 Aug Bugs Ball
Dress up as ugly bug a beautiful butterfly or a lovely ladybird and have some pre- school fun at this Bugs Ball. Children must be accompanied by and adult. Advance booking essential 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Thu 14 Aug Family Nature Day: Get Lost!
Use maps and a compass to find the clues, decipher the code and claim your prize Booking Essential 10.30 am
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Thu 14 Aug Family Nature Day: Creepy Crawlie Crawlabout
A self guided trail. Turn up any time between 1.30 pm and 3pm. Find the answers and claim your prize. Booking Eseential 1.30 pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Fri 15 Aug 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Fri 15 Aug to Sat 16 Aug Bushcraft Survival Night
Build a shelter and make a fire. We'll search for night time wildlife and sleep out on the Nature Reserve. For accompanied children aged 8 and over. 7pm - 10am
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 15 Aug Family Bat Evening
Find out more about these fascinating creatures of the night. Take a walk with bat detectors on the nature reserve and make a batty craft. Don't forget your torch! 7.30 - 9.30 pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 15 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Batty About Bats!
A day full of themed wildlife fun, games, activties and crafts. Suitable for 8 + year olds. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring along a packed lunch. Booking essential. 6 and 7 year olds welcome with an adult. 10.30am - 3pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 15 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: BEAUTIFUL BEASTIE
Bugs and beetles can look very scary when magnified. Discover the 'Beasts of Langdon' then go on a scavenger hunt for natural materials to make a giant Beautiful Beastie Sculpture! 10.30am-3pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Fri 15 Aug Conservation Club - Practical Conservation For Young People
Suitable for 11 years +. ( secondary age ) Places limited so advance booking essential 10am-3pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Sat 16 Aug to Sun 17 Aug Wild Night Out
Enjoy a whole night devoted to wildlife! Sleep under canvas and cook on a campfire, while enjoying a whole range of wildlife activities including bat detecting, torch light newt surveys, small mammal catching, night walk and more! All food, equipment and expertise provided. 7pm - 9am
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Sat 16 Aug Knights, Princesses & Dragons
Join Thorndon's knights and princesses on their quest set in long ago times of magic and legend. Enjoy the adventure and receive a prize. Suitable for ages 4+. Come in costume! Pre-payment essential. 11.00 a.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Sun 17 Aug Teddy Bears Picnic
Bring your teddy for some fun and games in the gorges! Songs, stories and more. Booking Essential 12.00 noon
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Tue 19 Aug 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Tue 19 Aug Family Nature Day: Summer Splash & Feathers
An outdoor day with summer pond dipping and feather themed activities. 10.30am - 2.00pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Tue 19 Aug Family Nature Day: The Very Busy Spider
Follow the story trail through the woods - can you make a very busy spider web? 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Tue 19 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Pond Safari
Wildlife themed day filled with lots of activities, games and crafts. Suitable for 7-11 year olds. (7 year olds must be accompanied by an adult). Bring a packed lunch and wear suitable clothing ! Advance booking and donation essential 10.30am-3pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Tue 19 Aug Family Nature Day: Wild T-shirts!
Bring your own t-shirt, and create a wild design on this fun afternoon. Booking Essential 1.30
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Tue 19 Aug Family Fun Day Jurassic Thorndon. Do Dinosaurs still live here?
2 hours of fun and activities in the park. Suitable for accompanied 6 to 12 year olds. Pre-booking essential. 10.30 a.m. or 2.00 p p.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Wed 20 Aug 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. 10.30am-12pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Wed 20 Aug 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. 1pm-2.30pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Wed 20 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Nocturnal Scientists!
Wildlife exploration on the reserve by night! Bat detecting, binoculars, moth trapping, minibeasts and hot chocolate! Bring a torch. 8.00pm -10.00pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 20 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Wierd Worms and Ugly Bugs!
A day full of themed wildlife fun, games, activties and crafts. Suitable for 8 + year olds. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring along a packed lunch. Booking essential. 6 and 7 year olds welcome with an adult. 10.30 am - 3pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 20 Aug Family Nature Day: Kite Making
Make a fantastic kite and take it out into the meadow to fly 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Wed 20 Aug Family Nature Day: Bug Safari
Join us on a 'small game' safari! Explore the meadows in search of some cunning creep crawlies 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Wed 20 Aug Family Nature Day: Kite making afternoon
Have a go at making a kite and then fly it in the park. Bring along your own kites to fly too! Advance Booking essential 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 20 Aug ECC-Bushcraft Firelighting
Learn the techniques of firelighting, bushcraft style. Can you get flames with just one match? 10.30am
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Thu 21 Aug Caterpillar Club for Pre School Children
Bring along your little caterpillars (pre school age) for a fun morning on the nature reserve. Stories, games, wildlife activties and much more. Bring suitable clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Indoor area will also be used. From March 2008. Caterpillar club is same time every 3rd Thursady of the month. Booking Essential. 10 am - 11.30 am
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Thu 21 Aug 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Thu 21 Aug Family Nature Day: Deeply Dippy
Use our nets to discover pond creatures. Then make pond art. 10am - 12noon
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Thu 21 Aug Family Nature Day: Minibeast Hunters
Hunt the minibeasts in our summer meadow, and then make minibeast art. 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Thu 21 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: BUTTERFLY MOSAIC MAKING
Have a wild time with your sweep nets to discover how many different butterflies exist in the meadows. Back at the Visitor Centre have fun creating a Butterfly Mosaic to decorate your bedroom. 10.30am-3pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Thu 21 Aug Family Nature Day: Bush Craft and Forest Skills
Spend the afternoon in the woodshaving lots of fun and learning some basic buscraft and forest skills. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Thu 21 Aug Family Nature Day: Summer Fun
A fun morning celebrating summer. Bring a plate of party food for a picnic too! Booking essential. 10.30 am
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Thu 21 Aug Family Nature Day: Fabulous Fairytales
A self guided trail. Turn up any time between 1.30 pm and 3pm. Find the answers and claim your prize. 1.30 pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Thu 21 Aug Family Fun Day - Hider in the woods. Can you be seen in your country den?
2 hours of fun and activities in the park. Suitable for accompanied 6 to 12 year olds. Pre-booking essential 10.30 a.m. or 2.00 p.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Fri 22 Aug 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Fri 22 Aug Family Nature Day: Camouflage Kids
Can you find hidden wildlife? Then make your own camouflage, and play the ceeping up game. 10.30am - 2pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 22 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Forest Skills and Shelter Building
A day full of themed wildlife fun, games, activties and crafts. Suitable for 8 + year olds. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring along a packed lunch. Booking essential. 6 and 7 year olds welcome with an adult. 10.30am - 3pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 22 Aug Conservation Club - Practicle Conservation For Young People
Suitable for 11 years +. ( secondary age ) Places limited so advance booking essential 10am-13pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Fri 22 Aug ECC-Teddies in their Dens
Bring your teddy for an adventure in the woods making dens, with games and stories. Suitable for ages 3+ 11.00am
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Tue 26 Aug 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Tue 26 Aug Family Nature Day: Kool Kites
Find flying creatures on the Nature Reserve, then make your own kite. 10.30am - 2pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Tue 26 Aug Family Nature Day: Butterfly Ball
Go in search of our beautiful butterflies and make a butterfly mask to take home 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Tue 26 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Wild Day Out
Wildlife themed day filled with lots of activities, games and crafts. Suitable for 7-11 year olds. (7 year olds must be accompanied by an adult). Bring a packed lunch and wear suitable clothing ! Advance booking and donation essential 10.30am-3pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Tue 26 Aug ECC-Pirates and Princesses
Pick up a treasure map and lead yourselves through the woods.Follow the clues and answer the riddles and you could win a prize.Come in costume! pre-booking essential. Ages 3-8 1.45-2.15pm
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Tue 26 Aug Family Nature Day: Bug Ball
Meet the bugs and beasties of the gorges, at this end of summer party. Bring your own plate of party food. Booking essential 1.30 pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Tue 26 Aug Family Fun Day - Buckets, chutes and hoops. Are you up to the challenge of our games
2 hours of fun and activities in the park. Suitable for accompanied 6 to 12 year olds. Pre-booking essential 10.30 a.m. or 2.00 p.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Wed 27 Aug 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. 10.30am-12pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Wed 27 Aug 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. 1pm - 2.30pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Wed 27 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Survival Shelters
Build your own shelter, and make string and tent pegs. For unaccompanied children aged 8 -12 years old. 10.30am - 3pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 27 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Nice and Nasty Nature
A day full of themed wildlife fun, games, activties and crafts. Suitable for 8 + year olds. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring along a packed lunch. Booking essential. 6 and 7 year olds welcome with an adult. 10.30am - 3pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 27 Aug Family Nature Day: Pond Dipping
Discover the amazing watery world of the pond and the creatures that live there 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Wed 27 Aug Caterpillar Club
Wildlife fun and crafts in the park for pre school children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance booking essential 10am-12pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 27 Aug Family Nature Day: Summer Arts and Crafts
Enjoy and arty afternoon at Bedfords Park. Suitable for all the family. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying child 1.30pm-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 27 Aug Fairies and Wizards - Four Seasons
Walk with Thorndon's magical folk and learn about the seasonal fairies and wizards. Then enter the Wizard's workshop of art and crafts. Suitable for 3 to 7 year olds. Come in costume! Pre payment essential 11.00 a.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Thu 28 Aug 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Thu 28 Aug Family Nature Day: Deeply Dippy
Use our nets to discover pond creatures. Then make pond art. 10am - 12noon
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Thu 28 Aug Family Nature Day: Wild Explorers
Use all your senses to explore the Nature Reserve, and then paint a picture of your discoveries. 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Thu 28 Aug Family Nature Day: Pond Dipping Morning
Pond dipping in the park. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying child 10am-12pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Thu 28 Aug Family Nature Day: Wild Fun & Games
Its the end of the summer holidays so come and spend the afternoon having some fun in the park. Activities, games & crafts 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Thu 28 Aug Family Nature Day: Nature Detectives
Learn to be a wildlife detective! Booking Essential 10.30 am
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Thu 28 Aug Family Nature Day: Tricky Trees Teaset Trail
A self guided trail. Turn up any time between 1.30 pm and 3pm. Find the answers and claim your prize. 1.30 pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Thu 28 Aug Family Fun Day - Snug as a Bug. Where would a bug like to live?
2 hours of fun and activities in the park. Suitable for accompanied 8 to 12 year olds. Pre-booking essential 10.30 a.m. or 2.00 p.m.
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Fri 29 Aug 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Fri 29 Aug Family Nature Day: Creature Feature Night
Come and discover the night time wildlife at Abberton - including bats and moths. 8pm - 10pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 29 Aug Family Bat Evening
Find out more about these fascinating creatures of the night. Take a walk with bat detectors on the nature reserve and make a batty craft. Don't forget your torch! 7.30-9.30pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 29 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: Creepy crawlies and savage spiders!
A day full of themed wildlife fun, games, activties and crafts. Suitable for 8 + year olds. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring along a packed lunch. Booking essential. 6 and 7 year olds welcome with an adult. 10.30am - 3pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 29 Aug Wildlife Discovery Day: BUSHCRAFT
Learn how to survive in the wild. Work as a team to build a camp in the woods, filter water and forage for safe food. 10.30am-3pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Fri 29 Aug Conservation Club - Practicle Conservation For Young People
Suitable for 11 years +. ( secondary age ) Places limited so advance booking essential
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Fri 29 Aug ECC -Spy High
Join Thorndon's spy school and master the skills of secret agents.Pass 4 tests and graduate from Spy Hidh. Ages 5plus.Come in costume! pre-payment essential 11.00
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Sun 31 Aug 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. 1pm-2.30pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Sun 31 Aug Family Fun Day
Our annual event for all the family to enjoy. Includes wildlife activities out on the reserve. stalls, games, owl display and back due to popular demand Essex and Suffolk Water are running Dragon Boat Racing on the reservoir. 10.00am - 4.00pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Sat 6 Sep Abberton Green Bunch Task Day
Conservation group for teenagers. Booking essential. 10am - 3pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Sat 6 Sep to Sun 7 Sep Wild Night Out
Enjoy a whole night devoted to wildlife! Sleep under canvas and cook on a campfire, while enjoying a whole range of wildlife activities including bat detecting, torch light newt surveys, small mammal catching, night walk and more! All food, equipment and expertise provided. 7pm - 9 am
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Sun 7 Sep Forest Festival
Chingford Plain - further details from Tricia on 01277 364 522.
Location: Epping Forest Local Group
Wed 10 Sep Family Nature Day: Messy Play Morning
Wild Welly walk and art activities fro pre-schoolers 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Sat 13 Sep Wildlife Discovery Day: Chafford Rangers
Our monthly club for 8 to 12 year olds. A mix of crafts, games, and outdoor activities. Please call the visitor centre for more details. 10.30 am
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Thu 18 Sep Caterpillar Club for Pre School Children
Bring along your little caterpillars (pre school age) for a fun morning on the nature reserve. Stories, games, wildlife activties and much more. Bring suitable clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Indoor area will also be used. From March 2008. Caterpillar club is same time every 3rd Thursady of the month. Booking Essential. 10 am - 11.30 am
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 19 Sep 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). 10am-11.30am
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Wed 24 Sep Caterpillar Club
Wildlife fun and crafts in the park for pre school children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance booking essential
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 1 Oct Family Nature Day: Messy Play Morning
Wild Welly walk and art activities for pre-schoolers 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Sat 4 Oct Abberton Green Bunch Task Day
Conservation group for teenagers. Booking essential. 10am - 3pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Sat 4 Oct Family Nature Day: Creatures of the Night
Discover the nocturnal visitors to the reserve with bat detectors, moth trap and lots more. 7-9pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Thu 16 Oct Caterpillar Club for Pre School Children
Bring along your little caterpillars (pre school age) for a fun morning on the nature reserve. Stories, games, wildlife activties and much more. Bring suitable clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Indoor area will also be used. From March 2008. Caterpillar club is same time every 3rd Thursady of the month. Booking Essential. 10 am - 11.30 am
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Sun 19 Oct Wild Autumn Event
Family activties including apple tasting, apple bobbing, crafts and craft stalls, face painting and trail. 11-4pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Sat 25 Oct to Sun 26 Oct Howling Halloween
Ghostly goings on in the Gorege, come and get yourself scared on fright night and have some fun 6.30pm till 8.00pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Sun 26 Oct Woodturner
Brian Addison- well known local woodturner with a large display of beautiful items for sale. 10am till 4pm
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Tue 28 Oct 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Tue 28 Oct Family Nature Day: Pond Orienteering
Enjoy an active Autumn day orienteering and delving in the pond. 10.30am - 2pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Tue 28 Oct Family Nature Day: Tree-mendous
Discover the secret life of trees with a birds (or bugs) eye view of the woods. Collect seeds to grow your own tree at home. 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Tue 28 Oct Family Nature Day: Help a Hedgehog
Find out more about these prickly mammals and how you can help them in your garden 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Tue 28 Oct Wildlife Discovery Day: Halloween Happenings
Dress up and have some halloween fun in Bedfords Park. Suitable for 7-11 year olds. (7 year olds must be accompanied by an adult). Bring a packed lunch and wear suitable clothing ! Advance booking and donation essential 10.30-3pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Tue 28 Oct Family Nature Day: The Monster Mash
Magic and mystery for two hours of fun. Please come along in fancy dress if you wish. Booking Essential 1.30 pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Wed 29 Oct 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. 10.30am-12pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Wed 29 Oct Family Nature Day: Bat Hunters
Use our bat detectors to discover the night time residents of Abberton Nature Reserve. Bring a torch. 6pm - 8pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 29 Oct Wildlife Discovery Day: Slimey Snails and Ugly Slugs!
A day full of themed wildlife fun, games, activties and crafts. Suitable for 8 + year olds. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring along a packed lunch. Booking essential. 6 and 7 year olds welcome with an adult. 10.30am - 3pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 29 Oct Family Nature Day: Creepy Crafts
Get ready for Hallowe'en with some spooky arts and crafts. 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Wed 29 Oct Caterpillar Club
Wildlife fun and crafts in the park for pre school children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance booking essential 10am-12pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 29 Oct Family Nature Day: Owl Afternoon
Wildlife themed afternoon filled with lots of activities and crafts.. Suitable for all the family. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying child 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Thu 30 Oct 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Thu 30 Oct Family Nature Day: Centipedes and Spiders
Discover the minibeasts that live under the logsŠ And make minibeast art. 10am - 12noon
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Thu 30 Oct Family Nature Day: Bumper Bird Banquet
Find winter food for the birds and make bird feeders. 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Thu 30 Oct Family Nature Day: Halloween in the Park
Hallowen fun in the park Suitable for all the family. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying child 10am-12pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Thu 30 Oct Family Nature Day: Hallowenn in the park
Halloween fun in the Park. Suitable for all the family. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying child 1.30pm-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Fri 31 Oct 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Fri 31 Oct Family Nature Day: Wild Halloween
Come along for a fancy dress spooky wildlife evening! Bring a torch. 6pm - 8pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 31 Oct Wildlife Discovery Day: Snarls, Growls and Howls!
A day full of themed wildlife fun, games, activties and crafts. Suitable for 8 + year olds. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring along a packed lunch. Booking essential. 6 and 7 year olds welcome with an adult. 10.30am - 3pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 31 Oct Family Nature Day: Hallowe'en Hi-Jinks
Feeling brave? Join us on All Hallows Eve and test your nerve on our ghoulish orienteering trail. Come in fancy dress. Not suitable for very young children 6-8pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Fri 31 Oct Wildlife Discovery Day: BATTY BATS & GHOULS
Have a hoot making a crazy bat puppet and a variety of ghoulish crafts to take home. 10.30am-3pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Sat 1 Nov Abberton Green Bunch Task Day
Conservation group for teenagers. Booking essential. 10am - 3pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Sat 1 Nov Nocturnal Nasties - Halloween
A spooky night in the woods. Dress up for halloween. Enjoy games, crafts, a night walk and camp fire on the nature reserve. Booking essential. 6pm - 8pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Sat 1 Nov to Sun 2 Nov Wildlife photos
A large selection of wonderful wildlife photography for sale by Andy Webb 10 am till 4pm
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Wed 5 Nov Family Nature Day: Messy Play Morning
Wild Welly walk and art activities for pre-schoolers 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Fri 7 Nov Campfire Night
Fun and games around the campfire, listen to the stories, sing the songs, drink the hot chocolate & eat the sweets, heaven! Pre-booking essential. 7pm
Location: Thorndon Countryside Centre
Thu 20 Nov Caterpillar Club for Pre School Children
Bring along your little caterpillars (pre school age) for a fun morning on the nature reserve. Stories, games, wildlife activties and much more. Bring suitable clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Indoor area will also be used. From March 2008. Caterpillar club is same time every 3rd Thursady of the month. Booking Essential. 10 am - 11.30 am
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Wed 26 Nov Caterpillar Club
Wildlife fun and crafts in the park for pre school children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance booking essential 10am-12pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Sat 6 Dec Abberton Green Bunch Task Day
Conservation group for teenagers. Booking essential. 10am - 3pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Sun 7 Dec Family Christmas Event
Family event with crafts activities, craft stalls, hand bells, carol singing, mulled drinks and much more. Donations for some activities. 11am to 4pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 10 Dec Family Nature Day: Messy Play Morning
Wild Welly walk and art activities for pre-schoolers 10am-12pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Fri 12 Dec 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. 10am -11.30am
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Sat 13 Dec Santa at the Haven
Come along anytime between the times above and visit Santa in his special house in the woods. See the workshop where his elves can come to make toys and see the stable where the reindeer can stay if they visit. Santa may even give you a little gift! 10.00am - 12.00pm - 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Sat 13 Dec Santa in the Woods
Follow our Christmas trail around the woods and take part in wildlife activties and crafts along the way. Complete your adventure with a visit to Father Christmas. Includes a xmas gift. 2pm- 4pm
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Sat 13 Dec to Sun 14 Dec Santa's Grotto
Santa's in his grotto, come along and bring your wish list meet Santa and get your gift, while yor here make a great Christmas card to take home, Book in advance then turn up any time between 11.03 till 1.30pm 11.30am to 1.30pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Sun 14 Dec 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 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Sun 14 Dec Family Nature Day: Christmas Crafts
Drop in throughout the day to make festive cards and decorations using natural and recycled materials 10am-3pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Sun 14 Dec Family Nature Day: Christmas Crafts
Christmas fun and crafts. Suitable for all the family. Advance booking and donation essential. Spaces limited to 2 adults per paying child 1.30-3.30pm
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Wed 17 Dec Christmas Caterpillar Club
This month's Caterpillar Club is a week earlier than normal due to Christmas! Join in with some Christmas fun and crafts in Bedfords Park on the last Caterpillar Club of the year. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance booking essential
Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Thu 18 Dec Caterpillar Club for Pre School Children
Bring along your little caterpillars (pre school age) for a fun morning on the nature reserve. Stories, games, wildlife activties and much more. Bring suitable clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Indoor area will also be used. From March 2008. Caterpillar club is same time every 3rd Thursady of the month. Booking Essential. 10 am - 11.30 am
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre
Fri 19 Dec 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. 10.30am -12pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Sat 20 Dec Family Nature Day: Nearly Christmas
Crafty Christmas creations galoreŠadvent trail, glitter, glue and more! 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Sat 20 Dec to Sun 21 Dec Family Nature Day: Christmas Party
Our annual Christmas party. Please bring your own plate of party food. Fun and games for all ages. Booking Essential 10.30 am and 1.30 pm
Location: Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Sun 21 Dec Santa at the Haven
Come along anytime between the times above and visit Santa in his special house in the woods. See the workshop where his elves can come to make toys and see the stable where the reindeer can stay if they visit. Santa may even give you a little gift! 10.00am - 12.00pm - 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Sun 21 Dec Family Nature Day: Christmas Crafts
Drop in throughout the day to make festive cards and decorations using natural and recycled materials 10am-3pm
Location: Langdon Visitor Centre
Tue 23 Dec 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. 10.30am -3pm
Location: Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre
Tue 23 Dec Family Nature Day: Really Nearly Christmas
Crafty Christmas creations galoreŠadvent trail, glitter, glue and more! 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Location: Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
