About the event

Essex Wildlife Trust's Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre is a partnership project with Havering Council. Built in Hornchurch Country Park, the centre overlooks the fantastic marshland and reedbeds of the River Ingrebourne Valley. There is a lake that allows for casual angling but also hosts a great deal of wildlife.      

A number of rare species have been observed here in recent years including a spotted crake and bittern. It is also known for its invertebrate and reptile species, including adders, with the Ingrebourne Valley hosting the largest adder hibernaculum in London. The park is home to a vast amount of flora and fauna and is very popular with bird watchers.

For history buffs there are several World War II defences within the park. The main car park at Squadrons Approach was an aircraft dispersal bay used to protect Spitfires and their ground crews during the war. Also present in the park area number of well-preserved pill boxes and some very rare Tett Turrets.

The Ingrebourne Valley Greenway - a hardened pathway suitable for bicycles, pushchairs and wheelchairs runs through the site. 

Meet at the Nature Discovery centre at 10.30

This walk will last about 2 hours at a relaxed pace and is suitable for adults and accompanied older children.

There is a carpark, café, toilets and shop

Wear suitable walking clothing and footwear for outdoor conditions and weather . Trails may be muddy. 

All welcome, no need to book,