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View our upcoming events for May 2012

Sun 6th May 2012

4:30-7:30 Bedfords Park Dawn Chorus

Join us to hear the wonderful bird sounds on our early morning walk, followed by a warming breakfast back at the centre. £10 per person, booking and donation in advance essential.

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Tue 8th May 2012

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 8th May 2012

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 per sibling, babes in arms free.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 13th May 2012

10:30-12:30 Bushcraft Babies 13 May 2012

Learn how to create shelter, build a fire, cook some tasty treats for the children and enjoy fireside activities. Suitable for children aged 4 years and over. Booking is essential and places are strictly limited. For more information, or to book a place, please email chaffordv@essex.org.uk or call 01375 484 016. £5.00 donation per child requested.

Location Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre

Tue 15th May 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar club May 15th

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre schoolers. suitable for 18 months up. £5 per child £3 per sibling. Younger siblings go free.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Tue 22nd May 2012

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 22nd May 2012

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 per sibling, babes in arms free.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 26th May 2012

10:30-12:30 Foraging Taster Session

Edible Essex, in collaboration with Essex Wildlife Trust, is providing a fantastic opportunity for you to discover more about edible plants that grow wild in our countryside. The session will involve: a guided walk to forage for ingredients to make tea and salads, sampling some wild food – some cooked on an open fire and recipe suggestions. The session is free and open to anyone who wants to learn more about edible wild food. Families are very welcome, but children must be over the age of 8. Participants should bring a plastic container and wear suitable outdoor clothing. Booking is essential and places are strictly limited. For more information, or to book a place, please email sophie.blythe@essexrcc.org.uk or call 01376 574 330.

Location Abbotts Hall Farm

Wed 30th May 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club May

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Takes place on the last Wednesday morning of every month and every Wednesday morning in the school holidays. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Mon 4th Jun 2012

10:00-12:00 Hedgehog Club

Join the new Hanningfield Hedgehogs Club and enjoy themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve. This event is for 4 - 8 year olds, and children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:30-14:00 Compass Creations

Navigate your way around the reserve using only a compass to collect the equipment needed to make something to take home with you. Bring along a packed lunch. All ages welcome MUST be accompanied by an adult. BOOKING ESSENTIAL £5.00 requested donation per child

Location Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre

Tue 5th Jun 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 5th June 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar club 5th June

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. £5 per child, £3 per sibling, younger siblings go free.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 per sibling, babes in arms free.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-14:00 Wildlife mask drop in session

Come in and make your very own wildlife mask. £5.00 requested donation per child

10:30-15:00 Minibeast Madness Wildlife Discovery Day

There's a wealth of creepy crawlies at Fingringhoe; learn all about them on this action-packed day of exploration. Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for ages 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:30-14:00 Critter Crime

Abberton has been struck by a dastardly villain. We need some budding detectives to hunt out the critter responsible. Come along with the family and be detectives for the day. Bring along a packed lunch. All ages welcome MUST be accompanied by an adult. BOOKING ESSENTIAL £5.00 requested donation per child

Location Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Big bug hunt

Part of wild about....Bugs week. Search woods and meadows for curious creepy crawlies, plus games and crafts. £5 per child. http;//www.essexwt.org.uk/visitor_centres_nature_reserves/langdon/">Langdon Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Busy Bees

Part of Wild About Bugs Week - Explore the bust life of the bee from flower to honey, and plant a bee pot for your garden. Donation £5 per child.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Wed 6th Jun 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club June

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Minibeast Safari Family Nature Day

Come on a hunt for some of the fascinating bugs that call Fingringhoe home. Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Hawks Club

Enjoy a day of themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve with other Hanningfield Hawks. Hawks Club is for 8 - 12 year olds, and children may be unaccompanied. £10 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:30-14:30 Wizards and Wands

Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble! Drop your children off for a spellbinding day of making potions and casting spells. Un-accompanied children only aged 8-12 years old. Bring along a packed lunch. BOOKING ESSENTIAL £10.00 requested donation per child

Location Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre

11:00-12:30 Spy High

Join Thorndon's spy school and master the skills of secret agents. Can you pass the four tests and then graduate from Spy High? Suitable for ages 5+. Pre-booking essential £5.50 per child. Contact 0845 603 7624 for more details and to book.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

13:00-15:00 Creative clay drop in session

Come and make something fun out of clay and also learn how to use a potters wheel. Requested donation £5.00 per child

13:30-15:30 Pondemonium Family Nature Day 3

Come pond dipping to see what's living beneath the surface of our ponds! Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Thu 7th Jun 2012

10:00-12:00 Pond Dipping Safari

Have a go at catching water creatures and find out all about what really lives in the under water world. All equipment provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:00-14:00 School Holiday Events Fishing

Come and try your hand a fishing. All equipment supplied. £5.00 per person

10:00-14:30 Langdons deadly 60

Part of wild about.....Bugs week. Can you find 60 deadly critters on the nature reserve? Will you be crowned King of the Bug Catchers? Find out on this fun day for families. £8 per child. http;//www.essexwt.org.uk/visitor_centres_nature_reserves/langdon/">Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-14:30 Jubilee Bug Hunt

Part of Wild About .. Bugs Week - Can you find 60 different creepy crawlies at Langdon? Join us on this fun day out to find out. Will you be crowned King or Queen of the bug hunters? Family Nature Day aimed at 5-8 year olds, accompanied by an adult, but other ages welcome. Requested donation £10 per child, accompanying adults free.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-14:00 Family Fishing

Come and learn how to fish. All equipment supplyed, but if you have your own fishing gear you are more than welcome to bring it along. £5.00 requested donation per person fishing. Booking essential as limited spaces available

10:30-15:30 Ancient Skills 1

Ancient Skills -Get creative with natural items as we try out traditional crafts such as felting and papermaking! Drop off and pick up activity for ages 8+. £10 donation per child. BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:30-12:30 Wriggley Wrigglers

Discover what creeps and crawls, what flies and what slimes beneath your feet using our minibeast hunting equipment. All ages welcome but MUST be accompanied by an adult. BOOKING ESSENTIAL £5.00 requested donation per child

Location Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:00-15:00 Crafty Craft Afternoon

Bring the family along for an afternoon of making and doing. There will be lots of craft ideas for you to have a go at making. All ages welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. BOOKING ESSENTIAL £5.00 requested donation per child

Location Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Den Building Afternoon

Activity afternoon building dens and shelters in the woods. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Fri 8th Jun 2012

10:00-14:00 School Holiday Events Fishing 2

Come and try your hand a fishing. All equipment supplied. £5.00 per person

10:00-12:00 Pond dipping June

Part of wild about....Bugs week. Make a splash, and find out what bugs are living under the water in our ponds. Includes games and craft. £5 per child. http;//www.essexwt.org.uk/visitor_centres_nature_reserves/langdon/">Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Pondemonium

Part of Wild About .. Bugs Week - make a splash as we go in search of bugs in the pond. With games and crafts. Family Nature Day aimed at 5-8 year olds, accompanied by an adult, but other ages welcome. Requested donation £5 per child.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:30-14:00 Natures Scientists

Come along for a day of being one of nature’s scientists, we will be carrying out some experiments to see if we can match the wonders of nature. Bring along a packed lunch. All ages welcome but MUST be accompanied by an adult. BOOKING ESSENTIAL £5.00 requested donation per child

Location Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Call of the Wild Family Nature Day

Animals and birds communicate with some amazing sounds, have a listen to the reserve's inhabitants and then make your own noisemaker from recycled materials! Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Wild About Bugs Beautiful Butterflies

Part of Wild About .. Bugs Week - explore our woods for caterpillars and the meadows for butterflies, then make your own beautiful butterfly wings to take home. Family Nature Day aimed at 5-8 year olds accompanied, but other ages welcome. Requested donation £5 per child.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Sun 10th Jun 2012

11:00-16:00 Open day and Ponddipping

At Gt Holland Pits nature reserve. For more information please contact Tendring Local Group on 01255 861342. Open to non members. All are welcome to these events.

Tue 12th Jun 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar club 12th June

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. £5 per child, £3 per sibling. Younger siblings go free.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Sat 16th Jun 2012

10:00-12:00 Teddy Bears Challenge

Bring your teddy Bear to the gorge where his wild side can be set free. Explore with your guide as you hunt for essential items to help your bear survive in the wild. Perhaps you might like to stay with your lunch and have a teddy bears picnic. £5.00 requested donation per child. (this event is suitable for children aged 3 to 6 ensure you book in advance as numbers are limited.

10:30-12:30 River Life

Join Epping Forest Countrycare and Essex Wildlife Trust for a morning on the Roding River to explore this fantastic habitat and the fabulous creatures that live there. Meeting at the car park next to the David Lloyd Centre off Roding Lane, Chigwell, IG9 6BJ. Open to ages 5 and up. Wellies are essential. Parents must stay with their children. Booking is essential. Please contact countrycare on 01992 788203 or email contactcountrycare@eppinforestdc.gov.uk. £2 per child (adults free).

Location Roding Valley Meadows

13:00-15:00 Chafford Sealife Adventure

Emerse yourself into the life of the gorge under sea. Enjoy lots of fun and games and activites based on facts from the past times when the sea ruled the gorge. £5.00 requested donation per child.

Tue 19th Jun 2012

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 19th June

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Fri 22nd Jun 2012

19:30-22:30 Wild Evening Out

Enjoy an evening out on the reserve learning about nocturnal wildlife, including bat detecting and pond dipping. Campfire with marshmallows included. This event is suitable for 6+ years. £10 donation per person. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Tue 26th Jun 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar club 26th June

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. £5 per child, £3 per sibling. Younger siblings go free.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Wed 27th Jun 2012

10:00-12:00 Preschool Caterpillar Club June

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Sat 30th Jun 2012

9:00-17:00 Minibeast Meander

Have fun at Hanningfield this weekend with our 'Minibeast Meander' trail. This will be a self-guided trail on the reserve to celebrate National Insect Week. Just come into the centre at any time over the weekend and you will be given instructions on what to do. Fun for all the family! Normal Entry Donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 1st Jul 2012

9:00-17:00 Minibeast Meander

Have fun at Hanningfield this weekend with our 'Minibeast Meander' trail. This will be a self-guided trail on the reserve to celebrate National Insect Week. Just come into the centre at any time over the weekend and you will be given instructions on what to do. Fun for all the family! Normal Entry Donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Tue 3rd Jul 2012

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 3rd July

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Tue 10th Jul 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 10th July 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Tue 17th Jul 2012

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 17th July

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Fri 20th Jul 2012

19:30-22:30 Wild Evening Out 20th July

Enjoy an evening out on the reserve learning about nocturnal wildlife, including bat detecting and pond dipping. Campfire with marshmallows included. This event is suitable for 6+ years. £10 donation per person. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 21st Jul 2012

10:00-16:00 Water Drop in craft

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 21st July and Friday 27th July (excluding Monday 23rd July) to take part in our themed craft. Donation £1.50 per craft.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-16:00 Water Drop in trail

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 21st July and Friday 27th July (excluding Monday 23rd July) to take part in our free themed trail

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Tue 24th Jul 2012

10:00-14:00 School Holiday Events Fishing 3

Come and try your hand a fishing. All equipment supplied. £5.00 per person

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 24th July 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:30-15:30 Buzzy Bees Wildlife Discovery Day

We'll be finding out all about the fascinating world of bumblebees, discover how to identify them and why they are so important. Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Family Nature Day Pond Dipping

Part of Wild About... Water Week - Dip in the pond to discover our amazing water wildlife. Includes craft to take home. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Wed 25th Jul 2012

10:00-14:00 School Holiday Events Fishing 4

Come and try your hand a fishing. All equipment supplied. £5.00 per person

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club July

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Takes place on the last Wednesday morning of every month and every Wednesday morning in the school holidays. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day Langdon Lake

Part of Wild About... Water Week - Discover the wildlife that lives on, in and under the water of the lake with pond dipping, bird watching and more. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Campfire Cooking Family Nature Day 2

Flex those chef skills with a lesson in outdoor cuisine as we see what we can create and cook on our campfire Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Hawks Club 25th July

Enjoy a day of themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve with other Hanningfield Hawks. Hawks Club is for 8 - 12 year olds, and children may be unaccompanied. £10 donation per child. Booking Essential. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Denbuilding Family Nature Day 2

A fun woodland afternoon of shelter building. Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Family Nature Day Fish Kites

Part of Wild about.. Water Week - Make a colourful fish kite and fly it in the meadow. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Thu 26th Jul 2012

10:00-12:00 Magical Meadows

Nature and wildlife themed activity and craft morning. Please come along dressed for doing outdoor activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:30-11:30 Repitle walk

Come and see if you can find some of our cold blooded friends. £5.00 requested donation per person.

10:30-15:00 Fingringhoe Explorers 4

Forest survival - The first Britons lived in the woods, but could you survive outdoors? Test your shelter building, nature and crafting skills. Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Fri 27th Jul 2012

10:00-11:00 School Holiday Marine Messy Bugs

Pre school craft, come along and make some amazing that lives in our sea's £4.00 Per Child

10:30-15:00 Wildlife Discovery Day Wet and WIld

Part of Wild About.. Water Week - Join us for a day of pond dipping, games and other activities on a watery theme.For unaccompanied 8-12 year olds (6&7 year olds welcome with an adult) Donation £10 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

13:00-14:00 School Holiday Marine Messy Bugs 2

Pre school craft, come along and make some amazing that lives in our sea's, have a go at looking at all the different shells you can find. £4.00 per child

13:30-15:30 Minibeast Safari Family Nature Day 2

Come on a hunt for some of the fascinating bugs that call Fingringhoe home. Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

19:30-22:30 Wild Evening Out 27th July

Enjoy an evening out on the reserve learning about nocturnal wildlife, including bat detecting and pond dipping. Campfire with marshmallows included. This event is suitable for 6+ years. £10 donation per person. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

20:00-23:00 Astronomy night 3

Come and learn all about the night sky and planets, find the constellations and learn how to use a telescope £5.00 per child

Sat 28th Jul 2012

10:00-16:00 Langdon Olympics drop in craft

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 28th July and Friday 3rd August (excluding Monday 30th July) to take part in our themed craft. Donation £1.50 per craft.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Beauties and the Beasts

Check out the beastly bugs and beautiful butterflies that live in the gorge. Learn how to chatch and admire them and make one of your own to take home. £5.00 requested donation per child. ( This event is suitable for children aged 5 and over)

10:00-16:00 Langdon Olympics drop in trail

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 28th July and Friday 3rd August (excluding Monday 30th July) to take part in our free themed trail.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

13:00-15:00 Enchanted Gorge

Discover the mystical creatures that are said to inhabit the gorge.Search for signsand clues to help you. Bring home your very own piece of treasure. £5.00 requested donation per child. (This event is suitable for children 5 and over)

Mon 30th Jul 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Hedgehog Club 30th July

Join the new Hanningfield Hedgehogs Club and enjoy themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve. This event is for 4 - 8 year olds, and children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Monday Funday 1

Nature and wildlife themed activity and craft afternoon. Please come along dressed for doing outdoor activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Tue 31st Jul 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 31st July 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 31st July

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 All at Sea Wildlife Discovery Day

It's Marine Week so join us to find out all about the wonderful creatures in our seas and their unusual lives. Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:30-15:30 Wildlife Discovery Holiday Club

A drop off and pick up session for children that are 8 years+. Children are fully supervised by Essex Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers. Children spend the whole day at Bedfords Park doing wildlife and nature themed activities. Takes place every Tuesday in the school holidays. £10 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Family Nature Day Minibeasts Olympics

Part of Wild About... The Olympics Week - Meet some record breaking bugs, the fastest, the slowest, high jumpers and crazy crawlers! Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Wed 1st Aug 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar PreSchool Club

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Takes place on the last Wednesday morning of every month and every Wednesday morning in the school holidays. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Marine Art Family Nature Day

It's Marine week so be inspired by the seas to make all sorts of arts and crafts from natural and recycled materials Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:00-14:00 School Holiday Events Fishing 5

Come and try you hand a fishing. All equipment supplied. £5.00 Per Person

10:30-15:00 Hawks Club 1st Aug

Enjoy a day of themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve with other Hanningfield Hawks. Hawks Club is for 8 - 12 year olds, and children may be unaccompanied. £10 donation per child. Booking Essential. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Thu 2nd Aug 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-14:00 School Holiday Events Fishing 6

Come and try you hand a fishing. All equipment supplied. £5.00 Per Person

10:00-12:00 Sealife Celebration

It’s National Marine Week so help celebrate and come along to this sealife themed activity morning. Lots of sea life themed activities and crafts. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

10:30-15:00 Fingringhoe Explorers 5

Sea survival - in our marine week themed session come and discover how our sea creatures survive in their habitat and confront the challenges of the modern world. Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Wildlife Discovery Day Go for Gold

Part of Wild About... The Olympics Week - Come along to our animal themed sports day. Fun, games and activities for unaccompanied 8-12 year olds(6&7 year olds welcome with an adult)Donation £10 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Boat Making Challenge

Make a boat and then sail it on the lake. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Fri 3rd Aug 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-11:00 Reptile Walk 3

Come and see if you can find some of our cold blooded friends and learn all about them in their natural habitat £5.00 per person

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day World Wildlife Safari

Part of Wild About.. The Olympics Week - Look for Lions in the African Savannah, Giant Pandas in the Forest of China and more without ever leaving Langdon! What will you discover? Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Hedgehog Club 3rd August

Join the new Hanningfield Hedgehogs Club and enjoy themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve. This event is for 4 - 8 year olds, and children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Sea Life Family Nature Day

Join us for this fun session of sea creature themed activities and crafts to celebrate marine week. Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Family Nature Day Mega Make it!

Part of Wild About... The Olympics Week - Join us for an afternoon of crafts on a wildlife theme. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

19:30-23:00 Bat Walk

Come along and seek out the bats that come out to hunt at night, great fun for all the family £5.00 per person

Sat 4th Aug 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-16:00 marine drop in trail

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 4th August and Friday 10th August (excluding Monday 6th August) to take part in our free themed trail.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-16:00 Marine drop in craft

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 4th August and Friday 10th August (excluding Monday 6th August) to take part in our themed craft. Donation £1.50 per craft.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Sun 5th Aug 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Mon 6th Aug 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Hedgehog Club 6th August

Join the new Hanningfield Hedgehogs Club and enjoy themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve. This event is for 4 - 8 year olds, and children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Monday Funday 2

Nature and wildlife themed activity and craft afternoon. Please come along dressed for doing outdoor activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Tue 7th Aug 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-14:00 School Holiday Events Fishing 7

Come and try you hand a fishing. All equipment supplied. £5.00 per person

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 7th August

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 All at Sea Wildlife Discovery Day 2

Join us this Marine Week to find out all about the wonderful creatures in our seas and their unusual lives. Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:30-15:30 Wildlife Discovery Club August

A drop off and pick up session for children that are 8 years+ Children are fully supervised by Essex Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers. Children spend the whole day at Bedfords Park doing wildlife and nature themed activities. Takes place every Tuesday in the school holidays. £10 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Wed 8th Aug 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Sea Life Family Nature Day 2

Join us for this fun session on sea creature themed activities and crafts to celebrate marine week. Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club Preschool

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Takes place on the last Wednesday morning of every month and every Wednesday morning in the school holidays. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Hawks Club 8th August

Enjoy a day of themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve with other Hanningfield Hawks. Hawks Club is for 8 - 12 year olds, and children may be unaccompanied. £10 donation per child. Booking Essential. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Wildlife Discovery Day All at Sea

Part of Wild About... Marine Week - Find out all about our Living Seas with games, crafts and orienteering. For unaccompanied 8-12 year olds. (6&7 year olds welcome with an adult) Donation £10 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Marine Art Family Nature Day 2

Celebrate Marine Week and be inspired by the seas to make all sorts of arts and crafts from natural and recycled materials Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Thu 9th Aug 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day Seashore Explorers

Part of Wild About... Marine Week - Spend the morning exploring the shore and its wildlife, then create your own marine scene to take home - and you don't even need to get your feet wet! Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Water Willdife

Have a go at catching water creatures and find out all about what really lives in the under water world. All equipment provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Fingringhoe Explorers 6

Sea survival - in our marine week themed session come and discover how our sea creatures survive in their habitat and confront the challenges of the modern world. Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

13:00-14:00 Creative tshirts

Come along and get creative by drawing and painting your own picture on a t-shirt. Please bring along a plan white t-shirt with you. £5.00 requested donation per child

13:30-15:30 Fabulous Flowers

Activity morning all about flowers. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Fri 10th Aug 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-11:00 Reptile Walk

Come and see if you can find some cold blooded friends. £5.00 requested donation per person

13:30-15:30 Eel Survival Swim Family Nature Day 2

Follow the eel treasure trail on your journey around the reserve to learn all about their lives Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

19:30-21:30 Family bat walk

Come along and learn about the different bats that live and feed in the gorge. learn how to use a bat detector. Fun for all the family. £5.00 requested donation per person.

19:30-21:30 Family Bat Evening

Come and join us for some Summer evening fun. Learn about the wonderful bats at Hanningfield, and watch them fly around the reserve. £5 donation per person. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 11th Aug 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-16:00 Superheroes drop in craft

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 11th August and Friday 17th August (excluding Monday 13th August) to take part in our themed craft. Donation £1.50 per craft.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-16:00 Superheroes drop in trail

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 11th August and Friday 17th August (excluding Monday 13th August) to take part in our free themed trail.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

20:00-22:00 Night Patrol

What are the animal residents up to on the reserve when we've all gone home? Come out after dark with us looking for bats and other creatures of the night. Family event, donation per person - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Sun 12th Aug 2012

9:00-17:00 Sealife Search

We will be running a self - guided trail on the reserve over this period to celebrate Marine Fortnight. The trail will have a marine theme and will be fun for all the family! Come into the visitor centre and you will be given instructions on what to do. Normal entry donation.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Mon 13th Aug 2012

10:00-12:00 Hedgehog Club 13th August

Join the new Hanningfield Hedgehogs Club and enjoy themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve. This event is for 4 - 8 year olds, and children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Monday Funday 3

Nature and wildlife themed activity and craft afternoon. Please come along dressed for doing outdoor activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Tue 14th Aug 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 14th August 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 14th August

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Wildlife Detectives Wildlife Discovery Day

There's been a crime and we need you to solve it! Examine the evidence, follow the clues and catch the culprit at this wildlife themed mystery. Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:30-15:30 Wildlife Discovery Holiday Club August

A drop off and pick up session for children that are 8 years+ Children are fully supervised by Essex Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers. Children spend the whole day at Bedfords Park doing wildlife and nature themed activities. Takes place every Tuesday in the school holidays. £10 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Family Nature Day Story Walk

Part of Wild About... Stories Week - Join us for story telling in the woods and mask making. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Wed 15th Aug 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Summer Club

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Takes place on the last Wednesday morning of every month and every Wednesday morning in the school holidays. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day Pirates!

Part Of Wild About... Stories Week - Come in pirate costume and follow the treasure hunt through the woods, plus games and crafts. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Pondemonium Family Nature Day 5

Come pond dipping to see what's living beneath the surface of our ponds! Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Hawks Club 15th August

Enjoy a day of themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve with other Hanningfield Hawks. Hawks Club is for 8 - 12 year olds, and children may be unaccompanied. £10 donation per child. Booking Essential. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Minibeast Safari Family Nature Day 4

Come on a hunt for some of the fascinating bugs that call Fingringhoe home. Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Thu 16th Aug 2012

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood

Part of Wild About... Stories Week - Join a bear of very little brain and his friends for a morning of adventures and activities in our own Hundred Acres of Woodland. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Bug Safari

Spend a morning exploring the park searching for mini-beasts.£5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Ancient Skills 2

Get creative with natural items as we try out traditional crafts such as felting and papermaking! Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Family Nature Day It's a puppet!

Part of Wild About... Stories Week - Explore the reserve for natural treasures to create your own puppet, then join in the telling of a special story in the wonderful woods. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Adventure Challenge

Nature and wildlife themed activity and craft afternoon. Please come along dressed for doing outdoor activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Fri 17th Aug 2012

13:30-15:30 Bee Trail Family Nature Day

Find out all about the amazing world of bumblebees and finish off with a buzzy bee craft. Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must bee accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Sat 18th Aug 2012

10:00-16:00 BugsTrail

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 18th August and Friday 24th August (excluding Monday 20th August) to take part in our free themed trail.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-16:00 Bugs drop in craft

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 18th August and Friday 24th August (excluding Monday 20th August) to take part in our themed craft. Donation £1.50 per craft.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Mon 20th Aug 2012

10:00-12:00 Hedgehog Club 20th August

Join the new Hanningfield Hedgehogs Club and enjoy themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve. This event is for 4 - 8 year olds, and children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Monday Funday 4

Nature and wildlife themed activity and craft afternoon. Please come along dressed for doing outdoor activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Tue 21st Aug 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 21st August 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-14:00 Family Fishing 7

Come and try you hand a fishing. All equipment supplied, but if you do have your own fishing gear you are more than welcome to bring it along. £7.00 requested donation

10:30-15:00 Dragons and Damsels Wildlife Discovery Day

The reserve will be alive with beautiful dragonflies and damselflies, find out all about their weird lives and how to tell them apart. Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:30-15:30 Wildlife Discovery Clubs

A drop off and pick up session for children that are 8 years+ Children are fully supervised by Essex Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers. Children spend the whole day at Bedfords Park doing wildlife and nature themed activities. Takes place every Tuesday in the school holidays. £10 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Family Nature Day Spectacular Spiders

Part of Wild About.. Bugs Week - Love them or hate them, spiders are cool! Find out more facinating facts as we meet these creepy crawlies on the reserve. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Wed 22nd Aug 2012

10:00-14:00 Family Fishing 8

Come and try you hand a fishing. All equipment supplied, but if you do have your own fishing gear you are more than welcome to bring it along. £7.00 requested donation per person fishing. Children over the age of 12 will need to buy a one day rod license from the post office.

10:00-12:00 Supersenses Family Nature Day

Animals use all their senses to survive, test yours out in this multi sensory adventure. Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club Summer

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Takes place on the last Wednesday morning of every month and every Wednesday morning in the school holidays. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Hawks Club 22nd August

Enjoy a day of themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve with other Hanningfield Hawks. Hawks Club is for 8 - 12 year olds, and children may be unaccompanied. £10 donation per child. Booking Essential. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Miniworlds Family Nature Day

Create a wildlife garden in a box and learn more about how you can help your garden creatures. Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Thu 23rd Aug 2012

9:00-10:00 Wildlife Messy Bugs

come and have some messy fun, colouring in sheets, painting and lots more. Requested donation of £4.00 per child Two sessions 10.00am - 11.00am & 12.00pm - 1.00pm

10:00-14:30 Family Nature Day Deadlyish 60

Part of Wild About... Bugs Week - Go in search of the 60 deadliest critters to be found at langdon. Donation £10 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Kite Making Morning

Make a kite and then fly it out in the park. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Fingringhoe Explorers 7

Forest survival - The first Britons lived in the woods, but could you survive outdoors? Test your shelter building, nature and crafting skills. Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Dens and Shelters

Activity afternoon building dens and shelters in the woods. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Fri 24th Aug 2012

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day Beetling About

Part of Wild About... Bugs Week - Two hours of fun games and crafts all about brilliant beetles. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Hedgehog Club 24th August

Join the new Hanningfield Hedgehogs Club and enjoy themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve. This event is for 4 - 8 year olds, and children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:00-14:00 Messy Bug

Come and have some messy fun, painting, colouring sheets, water table and much more. Requested donation of £4.00 per child

13:30-15:30 Family Nature Day Pondemonium 24th August

Part of Wild About ... Bugs Week - Pond dipping, fun, games and crafts. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Going Batty Family Nature Day

Do our bat trail to find out more about these mysterious creatures and make your own batty friend to take home. Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

19:00-21:30 Family Nightwatcher

Come and explore the nocturnal world of the Park, bats, moths and owls could be among the sightings……..! Suitable for over 5's and their families. Pre Booking Essential Cost: £5.00 per child, accompanying adults free.

19:30-21:30 Night Patrol 2

What are the animal residents up to on the reserve when we've all gone home? Come out after dark with us looking for bats and other creatures of the night. Family event, donation per person £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

20:00-22:30 Family Bat Night

Come along and seek out the bats that come out to hunt at night, great fun for all the family We will start with a talk and presentation, then we will out and have a walk and find some bats. Requested donation of £5.00 per person

Sat 25th Aug 2012

10:00-16:00 Food drop in trail

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 25th August and Friday 31st August (excluding Monday 27th August) to take part in our free themed trail.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-16:00 Food drop in craft

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 25th August and Friday 31st August (excluding Monday 27th August) to take part in our themed craft. Donation £1.50 per craft.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Bat Bonanza

Join us for a morning of batty antics and learn about these fascinating mammals through various games and crafts as part of European Bat Weekend. This event is suitable for 6+ years. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

12:00-14:00 Alice in the Gorge

Come along and help the White rabbit solve the clues to find Alice's tea party. Enjoy afternoon tea with some of the characters, lot of fun for all, fancy dress optional. Requested donation of children £5.00 and Adults £3.50

Sun 26th Aug 2012

13:00-16:00 Cream Tea Afternoon

Come to the visitor centre where we will be serving Cream Teas in the afternoon. Cream Tea includes pot of tea, scone with jam and cream, £4 per Cream Tea.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Mon 27th Aug 2012

10:00-12:00 Hedgehog Club 27th August

Join the new Hanningfield Hedgehogs Club and enjoy themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve. This event is for 4 - 8 year olds, and children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Tue 28th Aug 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 28th August 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-14:00 Family Fishing 10

Come and try you hand a fishing. All equipment supplied, but if you do have your own fishing gear you are more than welcome to bring it along. £7.00 requested donation

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 28th August

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:30-15:30 Wildlife Discovery Day Club

A drop off and pick up session for children that are 8 years+. Children are fully supervised by Essex Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers. Children spend the whole day at Bedfords Park doing wildlife and nature themed activities. Takes place every Tuesday in the school holidays. £10 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Tracks and Trails Wildlife Discovery Day

Our wildlife can be hard to spot so come along to get some tips on how to know what's about, even when you can't see it! Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Family Nature Day Nature's Harvest

Part of Wild About... Food Week - Hunt for nuts, seeds and berries in the woods and use them to make some natural art to take home. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Wed 29th Aug 2012

10:00-14:30 Family Nature Day Bushcraft Camp

Part of Wild About... Food Week - Build a den, light a campfire discover wild foods and woodland crafts. Donation £10 per child (includes snacks)

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Pondemonium Family Nature Day 6

Come pond dipping to see what's living beneath the surface of our ponds! Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:00-14:00 Family Fishing 11

Come and try you hand a fishing. All equipment supplied, but if you do have your own fishing gear you are more than welcome to bring it along. £7.00 requested donation

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club August

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Takes place on the last Wednesday morning of every month and every Wednesday morning in the school holidays. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Hawks Club 29th August

Enjoy a day of themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve with other Hanningfield Hawks. Hawks Club is for 8 - 12 year olds, and children may be unaccompanied. £10 donation per child. Booking Essential. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Bee Trail Family Nature Day 2

Find out all about the amazing world of bumblebees and finish off with a buzzy bee craft. Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Thu 30th Aug 2012

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day Grow Your Own

Part of Wild About... Food Week - Explore our veggie patch, learn more about easy ways to grow your own food and decorate a pot to take home. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Fantastic Felt Family Nature Day

Join us in the tepee for a story, followed by a chance to create felted pictures of story scenes. Suitable for ages 5+, children must be accompanied. Donation per child £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Woodland Safari

Nature and wildlife themed activity and craft morning. Please come along dressed for doing outdoor activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance.

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Fingringhoe Explorers 8

Forest survival - The first Britons lived in the woods, but could you survive outdoors? Test your shelter building, nature and crafting skills. Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Blackberrying Afternoon

Gathering Blackberries in the park and then make a delicious dessert! Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child, booking and payment in advance essential.

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Family Nature Day Dig for Victory

Part of Wild About... Food Week - Find out about food during World War Two and how people coped with rationing. With games and activities and craft. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Fri 31st Aug 2012

10:00-12:00 Hedgehog Club 31st August

Join the new Hanningfield Hedgehogs Club and enjoy themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve. This event is for 4 - 8 year olds, and children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Supersenses Family Nature Day 2

Animals use all their senses to survive, test yours out in this multi sensory adventure. Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Tue 4th Sep 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 4th September 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Sat 8th Sep 2012

12:00-16:00 Fun in the Fields

Following on from the success of last year's "Unto the Fields", Countrycare and the Essex Wildlife Trust will be hosting an Autumn fete of nature conservation discovery. Come along to learn more about this fantastic Nature Reserve and have some fun too. Something for all the family. Car parking next to the David Lloyd Centre off Roding Lane, Chigwell, IG9 6BJ. Follow signs from there to event location (grid reference TQ 430 945). Further details tbc (Please contact Countrycare on 01992 788203 or email contactcountrycare@eppinforestdc.gov.uk for more information).

Location Roding Valley Meadows

19:00-21:00 Night Patrol 3

What are the animal residents up to on the reserve when we've all gone home? Come out after dark with us looking for bats and other creatures of the night. Family event, donation per person £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Sun 9th Sep 2012

10:30-12:30 Animal Tracks and Signs

Come for an interesting walk in the park and look for evidence of animals from the tracks they leave and feeding signs. £5 donation per person, booking and donation in advance essential.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Tue 11th Sep 2012

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 11th Sept

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 16th Sep 2012

13:00-16:00 Cream Tea Afternoon September

Come to the visitor centre where we will be serving Cream Teas in the afternoon. Cream Tea includes pot of tea, scone with jam and cream, £4 per Cream Tea.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Fri 21st Sep 2012

18:30-20:30 Night Patrol 4

What are the animal residents up to on the reserve when we've all gone home? Come out after dark with us looking for bats and other creatures of the night. Family event, donation per person £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Tue 25th Sep 2012

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 25th Sept

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Wed 26th Sep 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club September

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Takes place on the last Wednesday morning of every month and every Wednesday morning in the school holidays. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Sat 29th Sep 2012

19:00-21:00 Creatures of The Night

Meet the wildlife that comes out after dark - use bat detectors, check for visitors to the moth trap and more. Suitable for 5 years and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Donation £6 per person, includes hot drink and biscuits.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Tue 2nd Oct 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 2nd October 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Tue 9th Oct 2012

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 9th Oct

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 14th Oct 2012

10:00-16:00 Autumn Apple Fayre

Join us at the visitor centre for all things autumn, there will be craft tables, local apples and juice to buy, and childrens activities too. Free event but donations requested for some activities.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Tue 16th Oct 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 16th October 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Sat 20th Oct 2012

10:00-16:00 Magical drop in craft

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 20th October and Sunday 28th October (excluding Monday 22nd October) to take part in our themed craft. Donation £1.50 per craft.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-16:00 Magical drop in trail

Come along to the visitor centre between Saturday 20th October and Sunday 28th October (excluding Monday 22nd October) to take part in our free themed trail.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-16:00 Fungi Day Course

An introduction to the fascinating world of fungi with our expert tutor., unsuitable for children under 12 years. Pre Booking essential Cost: £25.00 per person including lunch.

Tue 23rd Oct 2012

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 23rd Oct

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 23rd October 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Family Nature Day Go Batty!

Part of Wild About... Magic Week - Discover the fascinating world of bats with games and activities and make a bat box to put up in your garden. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Thu 25th Oct 2012

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day Owls That!

Part of Wild About.. Magic Week - Find out about the facinating lives of these nocturnal predators. With games, crafts and activities. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Family Nature Day Friendly Fairies and Evil Elves

Part of Wild About... Magic Week - Follow the magic trail to find friendly fairies and evil elves. Donation £5 per child

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Fri 26th Oct 2012

10:30-15:00 Wildlife Discovery Day Warthogs Wizard Academy

Part of Wild About.. Magic Week - Spells, myth, magic and mystery. Will you pass the test and graduate from the Warthogs Wizard Academy? For unaccompanied 8-12 year olds(6&7 year olds welcome with an adult)

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

18:00-20:00 Howling Hallowe'en

Join us for an evening of spooky goings on at Hanningfield. Dress up in your Halloween costume and come and explore wildlife on the nature reserve and take part in arts and crafts, bat detecting, mini beast hunting, and much more. Warm up with a hot chocolate in the visitor centre. This event is aimed at 4 - 8 year olds. £6 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 27th Oct 2012

16:30-18:00 Family Halloween Fun

Spooky fun for the under 7's and their families! Art and crafts and a spooky walk through the park in the dark…..! Pre Booking Essential Cost: £5.00 per child, £1.00 per accompanying adult (maximum 2 per child)

18:00-20:00 caterpillar club

Join us for our annual family Halloween event -if you dare! Explore the woods after dark but look out for things that go bump in the night! Plese come in fancy dress. Donation £6 per person, includes hot drink and biscuits.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Mon 29th Oct 2012

10:00-12:00 Hedgehog Club 29th October

Join the new Hanningfield Hedgehogs Club and enjoy themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve. This event is for 4 - 8 year olds, and children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Tue 30th Oct 2012

10:00-12:00 Halloween in the Park Morning

Family activity morning at Bedfords Park. Come along for some Halloween and out-door fun in the Park. Wear your Halloween costumes but don’t forget to dress for going outdoors! Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and payment in advance essential.

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 30th October 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Fantastic Fungi Wildlife Discovery Day

Enter the mysterious world of mushrooms as we find out all about them through games, experiments and a fun fungal foray. Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Halloween in the Park Afternoon

Family activity afternoon at Bedfords Park. Come along for some Halloween and out-door fun in the Park. Wear your Halloween costumes but don’t forget to dress for going outdoors! Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking and payment in advance essential.

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Wed 31st Oct 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club October

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Takes place on the last Wednesday morning of every month and every Wednesday morning in the school holidays. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Potions Lesson Family Nature Day

Don your witches and wizards hats as we make our own magic potion from the plants around us… Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Hawks Club 31st october

Enjoy a day of themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve with other Hanningfield Hawks. Hawks Club is for 8 - 12 year olds, and children may be unaccompanied. £10 donation per child. Booking Essential. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Fungi Discovery Family Nature Day

A mushroom discovery journey just for beginners with games and crafts. Donation per child - £5. bOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

18:00-21:00 Howling Halloween

Evening halloween fun and bring along your carved pumpkin to enter into our best carved pumpkin competition! £6 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential.

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

18:00-20:00 Howloween at Hanningfield

Celebrate Hallowe'en at Hanningfield with lots of haunting fun. Find the mysterious creatures that lurk in the dark, and make a craft to take home with you. Fancy dress welcomed! This event is suitable for 8 - 12 year olds. £6 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Thu 1st Nov 2012

10:30-15:00 Fingringhoe Explorers 9

Professor Wick's lab - a day of scientific discovery, find out about the weird and wacky things our plants have been used for and experiment with some potions of your own Donation per child - £10. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Drop off and pick up. Suitable for age 8+

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Fri 2nd Nov 2012

10:00-12:00 Hedgehog Club 2nd November

Join the new Hanningfield Hedgehogs Club and enjoy themed wildlife activities on the nature reserve. This event is for 4 - 8 year olds, and children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Autumn Art Family Nature Day

Make your own marvellous creations from things we can find in the woodland - prepare to get messy! Donation per child - £5. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

13:30-10:00 Willow Lantern Making

Come and join us at the visitor centre to make a willow lantern, plus a short walk in the park after to try them out! £7 per lantern, all materials included.

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

19:00-21:00 Campfire Night

Campfire songs and stories for children aged over 5 years, hot chocolate for the adults and chocolate for the children included. Pre Booking essential Cost: £4.00 per person or a family ticket 2+2 for £12.00

Tue 6th Nov 2012

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 6th Nov

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Tue 13th Nov 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 13th November 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Tue 20th Nov 2012

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 20th Nov

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Wed 28th Nov 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar PreSchool Club November

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Takes place on the last Wednesday morning of every month and every Wednesday morning in the school holidays. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Tue 4th Dec 2012

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 4th Dec

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 4th December 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Sat 8th Dec 2012

10:00-14:00 Winter Wonderland

Meet Father Christmas, receive your gift, Christmas craft workshop, Sit in Santa's Sleigh where you can take your own photo. 3 session daily. Times: 10.00am - 11.00am 11.30am - 12.30am 13.00pm - 14.00pm Requested Donation: £5.00 per child for craft and meet santa, £2.00 per Adult £3.00 per child to meet santa, £2.00 per Adult Booking is essential as we do have limited spaces, book now to avoid dissapoiontment.

Sun 9th Dec 2012

10:00-14:00 Winter Wonderland 2

Meet Father Christmas, receive your gift, Christmas craft workshop, Sit in Santa's Sleigh where you can take your own photo. 3 session daily. Times: 10.00am - 11.00am 11.30am - 12.30am 13.00pm - 14.00pm Requested Donation: £5.00 per child for craft and meet santa, £2.00 per Adult £3.00 per child to meet santa, £2.00 per Adult Booking is essential as we do have limited spaces, book now to avoid dissapoiontment.

10:00-14:00 Winter Wonderland 1

Meet Father Christmas, receive your gift, Christmas craft workshop, Sit in Santa's Sleigh where you can take your own photo. 3 session daily. Times: 10.00am - 11.00am 11.30am - 12.30am 13.00pm - 14.00pm Requested Donation: £5.00 per child for craft and meet santa, £2.00 per Adult £3.00 per child to meet santa, £2.00 per Adult Booking is essential as we do have limited spaces, book now to avoid dissapoiontment.

10:30-12:00 Winter Wonders

Escape the stresses of the season to find out what our wildlife is up to at this time of year on a walk round the reserve. £3 donation per person. Children must be accompanied. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

12:00-15:00 Santa at the Haven

Meet Father Christmas at his special house in the woods. See the elves workshop, the stable for rudolph and get to meet the man himself. £3.50 per child including gift.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

12:00-16:00 Christmas Crafts 9th December 2012

Coose from a range of festive crafts, sutiable for all ages.

Tue 11th Dec 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club 11th December 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Sat 15th Dec 2012

10:00-14:00 Winter Wonderland 3

Meet Father Christmas, receive your gift, Christmas craft workshop, Sit in Santa's Sleigh where you can take your own photo. 3 session daily. Times: 10.00am - 11.00am 11.30am - 12.30am 13.00pm - 14.00pm Requested Donation: £5.00 per child for craft and meet santa, £2.00 per Adult £3.00 per child to meet santa, £2.00 per Adult Booking is essential as we do have limited spaces, book now to avoid dissapoiontment.

Sun 16th Dec 2012

10:00-16:00 Christmas Celebration Event

Join us for traditional christmas wreath making, childrens craft activities, craft sales tables, mulled punch, mince pies and more. Free event but donation for some activities requested.

10:00-14:00 Winter Wonderland 4

Meet Father Christmas, receive your gift, Christmas craft workshop, Sit in Santa's Sleigh where you can take your own photo. 3 session daily. Times: 10.00am - 11.00am 11.30am - 12.30am 13.00pm - 14.00pm Requested Donation: £5.00 per child for craft and meet santa, £2.00 per Adult £3.00 per child to meet santa, £2.00 per Adult Booking is essential as we do have limited spaces, book now to avoid dissapoiontment.

12:00-16:00 Christmas Craft 16th December 2012

Choose from a range of festive crafts, suitable for all ages. Donation £1 per craft.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

12:00-15:00 Santa at the Haven 2

Meet Father Christmas at his special house in the woods. See the elves workshop, the stable for rudolph and get to meet the man himself. £3.50 per child including gift.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Tue 18th Dec 2012

9:00-10:00 Caterpillar Club 18th December 2012

A fun morning of outdoor activities, messy play and games for pre-schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up. Donation £5 per child, £3 for additional a siblings

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Hatchlings Club 18th Dec

Come and join the Hanningfield Hatchlings. Fortnightly pre-school group for the under 5's including wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre. Drink and snack included. £5 donation per child, £3 donation per sibling, babes in arms free. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Wed 19th Dec 2012

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club December

Activity morning for pre-school age children at Bedfords Park. Nature and wildlife themed morning with outdoor and indoor activities focused on exploring nature and the outdoors, natural play, arts and crafts. Different activities each session. Takes place on the last Wednesday morning of every month and every Wednesday morning in the school holidays. Please dress for doing outdoor activities as we will always aim to spend some time outdoors whatever the weather! Feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat after the activities – you are welcome to sit in the centre and eat if you don’t want to have a picnic outside. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Sat 22nd Dec 2012

10:00-12:00 A Present for Wildlife

Come along and get messy making Christmas presents for the birds and other creatures in your garden! Donation £5 per child. Suitable for all the family. Children must be accompanied. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.

Location Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

10:00-14:00 Winter Wonderland 5

Meet Father Christmas, receive your gift, Christmas craft workshop, Sit in Santa's Sleigh where you can take your own photo. 3 session daily. Times: 10.00am - 11.00am 11.30am - 12.30am 13.00pm - 14.00pm Requested Donation: £5.00 per child for craft and meet santa, £2.00 per Adult £3.00 per child to meet santa, £2.00 per Adult Booking is essential as we do have limited spaces, book now to avoid dissapoiontment.

10:00-12:00 Crafty Christmas Creations

Enjoy an afternoon of Christmas crafts including salt dough decorations, Christmas cards and making bird feeders. This event is suitable for children 4+ years. £5 donation per child. Booking Essential.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:00-15:00 Christmas Craft Afternoon

Come and celebrate Christmas with us, with a christmas craft activity session. £5 donation per child. Booking and donation in advance essential

Location: Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Sun 23rd Dec 2012

10:00-14:00 Winter Wonderland 6

Meet Father Christmas, receive your gift, Christmas craft workshop, Sit in Santa's Sleigh where you can take your own photo. 3 session daily. Times: 10.00am - 11.00am 11.30am - 12.30am 13.00pm - 14.00pm Requested Donation: £5.00 per child for craft and meet santa, £2.00 per Adult £3.00 per child to meet santa, £2.00 per Adult Booking is essential as we do have limited spaces, book now to avoid dissapoiontment.

12:00-16:00 Christmas Crafts 23rd December 2012

Choose form a range of festive crafts, suitable for all ages.

12:00-15:00 Santa at the Haven 3

Meet Father Christmas at his special house in the woods. See the elves workshop, the stable for rudolph and get to meet the man himself. £3.50 per child including gift.

Location Langdon Visitor Centre

Mon 24th Dec 2012

10:00-14:00 Christmas Eve Crafts

Join in with a christmas craft if you are visiting the centre today!

Location Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

Categories

Exhibitions and Sales
Walks and Runs
Talks and Courses
Families and Children
Special Events
Work Parties
Adult Courses

Visitor Centres

Abberton Reservoir
Abbotts Hall Farm
Bedfords Park
Chafford Gorges
Fingringhoe Wick
Hanningfield Reservoir
Langdon
Thorndon

Local Groups

Basildon Natural History Society
Braintree
Brentwood and Billericay
Castle Point
Chelmsford
Colchester
Epping Forest
Havering
Maldon & South Woodham Ferrers
Southend and Rochford
Tendring
Thurrock
Uttlesford

Protecting Wildlife for the Future and for the People of Essex