Fingringhoe Wick
Fingringhoe Wick was Essex Wildlife Trust's first nature reserve (1961), some years later it was where the Trust opened their first visitor centre. Sixty years on visitors are still coming to see this magical place. Set in a spectacular position overlooking the Colne Estuary the reserve offers a sense of real peace and quiet and a chance to escape from it all.
Plan your visit
Opening times
Open all year round open 7 days a week.
Winter opening hours:
10am – 4pm, 1 November – 14 February
Summer opening hours:
10am – 5pm, 15 February – 31 October
Christmas opening hours:
Christmas Eve 10am – 2pm
Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day
New Year’s Eve 10am – 2pm
Where to find us?
Address:
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park, South Green Road Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO5 7DN
Telephone:
01206 729678
What3words:
///screamed.showering.followers
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 £3 per adult, £2 per child and £8 per family. Continuous support of the Trust enables us to do amazing work for wildlife here at Fingringhoe Wick 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 Fingringhoe 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, soups, delicious handmade cakes, cream teas and toasted teacakes.
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.
Play area
At the front of the centre, visitors will find a wildlife play area featuring several climbing frames and bridges, offering an engaging space for children to explore and enjoy.
Accessibility
Disabled parking. There is a public toilet for disabled visitors which is fully accessible. Some walking trails are wheelchair friendly.
To assist with access onto the reserve you can borrow an all-terrain mobility scooter that will access many far reaches of the reserve that are not limited by step access, a wheelchair or drive to a certain area to take you a little further into the reserve. There are numerous benches around the reserve.
Road access
Please note that the road to reserve is single track, please drive slowly and use passing places.
Visitors with dogs
We have designated dog trail which is approximately 1 mile. Dogs are not permitted in the Nature Discovery Centre or on events.
Nature Trails
The reserve trails lead you through the various habitats woodland, scrub, heathland and past ponds and towards the estuary. Access to the beach is not permitted.
Adders are on the reserve and they are the UKs only venomous snake. please stick to the paths and wear suitable footwear. Please do not touch them, they are shy creatures and will only bite if they feel they are in danger.
Please note cycling is not permitted around the reserve
Site map
Adam Palmer
Flooding at Fingringhoe Wick in Essex by Matthew Roberts
Max Martin
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 Fingringhoe 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 is now a SSSI (Site Special Scientific Interest), a wildlife haven of over 200 acres (80 hectares) hosting up to 200 species of birds, 27 species of dragonflies and damselflies, 24 species of butterfly, 350 species of flowering plants, as well as Adders, Badgers and many other animals.
Volunteering at Fingringhoe
We are looking for enthusiastic people to help promote the work of Essex Wildlife Trust at Fingringhoe.
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
The meeting room is located within the main visitor centre, with convenient access to the café. It can be arranged in a variety of layouts with tables and chairs, and includes Wi-Fi, an HD screen and a flip chart. Accommodating up to 25 people, it provides a versatile space for meetings, workshops or small events.
