Photo: Daniel Bridge
Ingrebourne
The Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre, near Hornchurch, opened to the public in October 2015 and provides valuable community facilities and educational opportunities within a much loved open space that is important for both people and wildlife. The surrounding country park also has a fascinating connection to WWI history in Essex, adding another layer of interest for visitors.
The centre features a café, shop, meeting room, picnic area, and access to a variety of wildlife walks through the country park, making it an ideal destination for a fun family day out in London. It’s a great place to relax, explore nature, discover local history, and enjoy outdoor activities for all ages.
Plan your visit
Opening times
Open all year round open 7 days a week.
Winter opening hours:
10am – 4pm, 1 November – 15 February.
Summer opening hours:
10am – 5pm, 14 February – 31 October.
Where to find us?
Address:
Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre, Hornchurch Country Park, Squadrons Approach, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 6DF
Sat Nav:
RM12 6TS
Telephone:
01708 520364
What3words:
///actor.closes.bravo
Directions:
Facilities and access
Car parking and entry
Car parking is available in the nearby Havering Borough Council car park, approximately 100 metres from the Nature Discovery Centre. Continuous support of the Trust enables us to do amazing work for wildlife here at Ingrebourne and across the county. Our members are incredibly important to us and make a real difference to wildlife in Essex. You can join Essex Wildlife Trust at Ingrebourne or online.
There is a coach drop-off space. If you are planning to bring a group, please ensure you have pre-booked your visit. online.
Cafe
We serve a selection of hot items, sandwiches, wraps, paninis, toasties, children’s lunch boxes, homemade soups, and vegan chilli, as well as delicious handmade cakes, cream teas, toasted teacakes, and seasonal homemade bakes.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available daily.
Shop
The Nature Discovery Centre has a well-stocked shop, including binoculars, wildlife books, bird food and feeders, gifts, greeting cards, toys and games, local honey and jams, packaged snacks, and ice creams.
Accessibility
Disabled parking is available. There is a fully accessible public toilet for disabled visitors. Some walking trails are wheelchair-friendly.
Visitors with dogs
Dogs are welcome in our outdoor seating area at the Nature Discovery Centre, but, other than assistance dogs, they are not allowed inside the café or centre.
Please stay on the permitted trails in the nature reserve and keep your dog on a lead where required.
Nature Trails
Walking Trails
Various routes around Hornchurch Country Park, please call in to the centre and ask for details.
Peter Hewitt
What to do
Ingrebourne Valley Country Park offers miles of nature trails and scenic walking routes, making it a fantastic place to visit all year round. Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk, wildlife spotting, or simply a chance to get away from it all, it's one of the best places in Essex to enjoy the outdoors.
The reserve is also ideal for cycling trails near Hornchurch, with routes suitable for families and experienced cyclists alike. Alongside its rich wildlife, visitors can discover the area's fascinating RAF history in Essex, making every visit an opportunity to explore both nature and local heritage.
Events
If you're looking for things to do near London, we offer a varied programme of outdoor activities, including wildlife events, adult courses, children's activities, school holiday events, and educational school and group visits. Our events give visitors of all ages the opportunity to explore nature, discover local wildlife, and enjoy unforgettable outdoor experiences, making it one of the best things to do in London.
What to see
The Ingrebourne Valley, in which Hornchurch Country Park sits, comprises 261 hectares of interconnecting habitats, including river, open water, marsh, grassland, reed bed, ancient and secondary woodland, scrub, and hedgerows. It is home to London’s largest remaining continuous freshwater reed bed, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Local Nature Reserve.
The site is not only unique but also incredibly important for the 61 species of birds that regularly breed in the area, including redshank, lapwing, and pochard, as well as 16 nationally scarce beetle species, dragonflies, crickets, and other insects.
Volunteering at Ingrebourne
We are looking for enthusiastic people to help promote the work of Essex Wildlife Trust at Ingrebourne.
Types of volunteering could include: office, shop, cafe, education or work parties.
Birthday parties
We offer a variety of fabulous themed birthday parties set in beautiful outdoor locations at our Nature Discovery Centres.
Schools and colleges
We believe in nurturing a lifelong love of nature at every age and stage of life. Our Wilder Learning programme offers opportunities for children, educators, adults and families to connect with the natural world. Designed to inspire curiosity and conservation, our programs are suitable for all ages.
Venue hire
Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre offers a flexible space for meetings, workshops, and small events. The room is equipped with tables, chairs, WiFi, and an HD LED screen with HDMI connectivity, and can be arranged in theatre or table layouts, accommodating up to 36 people.
Funders
Funding for the £1.4 million Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre project has been provided by Veolia North Thames Trust, Heritage Lottery Fund, City Bridge Trust and UK Power Networks. Essex Wildlife Trust also led a successful fundraising appeal to Trust members and the public, to complete the required funds.
Constructors, Coleman & James, started setting up on site in October 2014 and there was a ground-breaking ceremony held for our funders later that month. The Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre has been designed by Tim Ronalds Architects.
