About the event

Essex Wildlife Trust is exploring the reopening of the Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Centre, and we’d love you to be part of the conversation.

Over the past months, we’ve been spending time in the community and listening to local people and organisations. This workshop is a chance to share what we’ve learned so far and work together to shape a shared vision for the centre’s future, looking ahead from its hoped-for reopening in 2027 and beyond.

Your ideas will help refine that vision and shape upcoming trial activities in summer and autumn 2026, as well as improvements to the building and surrounding space to make sure it works for everyone.

The workshop will take place at the Discovery Centre itself, giving you the chance to see the space as it is now and imagine what it could become. While the nature park has remained open, the Centre has been closed since late 2017—this is an opportunity for the community to help reimagine its future.

*We are hosting one workshop on the Friday, and one on the Saturday. Both will be identical so you only need to attend one*

Date: Friday 22 May 
Time: Arrive from 1:30pm for a 2:00pm start
Location: Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Centre

Date: Saturday 23 May 
Time: Arrive from 9:30am for a 10:00am start
Location: Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Centre

Places are limited, so please book in advance.

Refreshments will be provided.

We hope you can join us—your input will help shape what comes next.