Hanningfield Reservoir
A warm welcome will always greet you at Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre. The centre is set in mature woodland and offers superb views over the 870 acre Hanningfield Reservoir. It is an ideal place to view the wildlife within the nature reserve and to receive the latest sightings news. The centre has full disabled access as does the Lyster Bird hide that is a short distance away.
Plan your visit
Opening times
Open all year round open 7 days a week.
Winter opening hours:
9:30am-4pm access open for the reserve and discovery centre is open between 10am-4pm from 1 November – 14 February
Summer opening hours:
9:30am-5pm access open for the reserve and discovery centre is open between 10am – 5pm from 15 February– 31 October
Christmas opening hours:
Christmas Eve 10am – 2pm (reserve access open at 9:30am)
Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day
New Year’s Eve 10am – 2pm (reserve access open at 9:30am)
Where to find us?
Address:
Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex, CM11 1WT
Telephone:
01268 711001
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Directions:
Facilities and access
Car parking and entry
Car parking is available at the Nature Discovery Centre but in order to keep us running, we suggest a donation of £2 per adult, £1 per child, £5 per family. Continuous support of the Trust enables us to do amazing work for wildlife here at Hanningfield Reservoir 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 Hanningfield Reservoir or online.
There is a coach drop-off space, if you are planning on bringing a group, please ensure you have pre-booked your visit.
Cafe
We serve a selection of hot items, sandwiches, wraps, paninis, toasties, children’s lunch boxes, soups, 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, greetings cards, toys and games, local honey and jams, packaged snacks and ice creams.
Accessibility
Accessible parking is available. There is a fully accessible toilet for disabled visitors, and some walking trails are suitable for wheelchair users.
Visitors with dogs
No dogs permitted. Dogs can be walked at the nearby Crowsheath Wood.
Nature Trails
Wind in the Willows Nature Trail
The trail consists of wooden sculptures of the most popular characters from the classic book and at each sculpture there is a brass rubbing of the animal that the sculpture depicts.
Walking Trails
Various routes around the reserve and reservoir, please call in to the centre and ask for details. Maps available for a small donation.
Site map
Bluebells at Hanningfield Reservoir
What to do
Explore
With miles of nature trails to explore and some stunning viewpoints, the reserve is a great place to visit all year round.
Events and activities
At Hanningfield we run a host of activities from early years groups to adult workshops to encourage all ages to connect with nature.
What to see
The nature reserve offers some beautiful walks through the woodland, taking in bird hides, ponds and views across the reservoir. The site is run in partnership with Essex & Suffolk Water and you can walk through the reserve to the Essex & Suffolk Water Fishing Lodge and the Cafe on the Water. The reservoir itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the important numbers of wildfowl that use the reservoir in the autumn and winter, including Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Pochard.
Volunteering at Hanningfield
We are looking for enthusiastic people to help promote the work of Essex Wildlife Trust at Hanningfield.
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
Our meeting room is situated within our main visitor centre building, with easy access to our café. Equipped with tables, chairs, WiFi, HD LED screen with HDMI connectivity, the room can be configured theatre style or with table layouts. Accommodating up to 30 people, this is a great space to host a meeting or a small workshop.
