Essex Wildlife Trust is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Naze Nature Discovery Centre this weekend.

The centre was first opened on Saturday 10 September 2016 by author and broadcaster Nicholas Crane and Ian Davidson, the Chief Executive of Tendring District Council at the time. The original vision was to make the centre a key destination site, providing visitor experiences throughout the year, highlighting the issues facing the East Coast and creating a centre of excellence for education.

Kay Singleton, Assistant Centre Manager at The Naze Nature Discovery Centre, says: “These ideals still hold true today, and we continue to deliver a fabulous education programme that now encompasses a developing portfolio for home educators. Our volunteer walk leaders continue to inspire both young and old in the discovery of the history and geology of the Naze, and the fossils found here. Visitor numbers continue to increase; it is fantastic to see both the local community and people from all over coming to visit the very special area that is the Naze.”

The Naze was featured in Countryfile this summer, with Essex Wildlife Trust volunteer Peter Dimmick leading the team and a group of children on a fossil hunting walk. The Centre provides a gateway for accessing the stunning beach famed for fossil hunting or exploring the nearby John Weston nature reserve. This Essex Wildlife Trust reserve was named in memory of the campaigner John Weston, who in 1963 fronted a campaign to protect the land for perpetuity. 

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary, the Trust is putting on free activities and events all weekend. On Saturday 19 September, there will be informative talks from Bird Aware, local conservationists, the Trust’s marine team, seal rescue, photographers, fossil experts and more. 

On Sunday 20 September, there will be free live music and games, alongside a guided beach clean. On both days there will be a family fossil hunt event, which you can book tickets for in advance online. 

Kay adds, “We are so proud of all the centre has achieved over the last 10 years. We can’t wait to welcome members of the community to help us celebrate this milestone.”

Facilities at The Naze include café, shop, toilets, disabled toilets, baby changing and car park (parking fees apply). The Naze Nature Discovery Centre, Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8LE.