Abberton Reservoir
The Nature Discovery Centre was built in 2012 as part of the huge expanse of Essex & Suffolk Water's Abberton Reservoir. The centre includes a cafe, shop, nature trail and walking routes. We run adult events and courses, children's activities, school holiday events, school / group trips and visits.
Read the latest news and blogs from Abberton Reservoir.
Abberton Reservoir is a wetland site of international importance for wildfowl. Up to 40,000 ducks, swans and geese visit each year. It has excellent bird watching opportunities and fabulous views over the reservoir.
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:
Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park, Church Rd,, Layer-de-la-Haye, Colchester, Essex, CO2 0EU
Telephone:
01206 738172
What3words:
///brambles.immunity.ramming
Directions:
Facilities and access
Car parking and entry
We do not charge for entry or car parking, the Nature Discovery Centre but in order to keep us running, we suggest a donation of £2 per adult, £1 children or £5 family. Continuous support of the Trust enables us to do amazing work for wildlife here at Abberton 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 Abberton 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
At Abberton Reservoir our café provides a range of snack and lunch items, from tasty traybakes to local sausage rolls there's something for everyone to enjoy during their visit. The Nature Discovery Centre hosts indoors seating with stunning open views out onto the reservoir providing a comfortable vantage point to watch wildlife. Outdoor seating is available on our open veranda where little grebes can be seen feeding in the pond below. Picnic tables are located on the reserve, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available daily.
Shop
From bird feeders to children's toys, there is a large selection of products available at Abberton Reservoir. Why not explore our range of binoculars or discover the world of birds with our wildlife guides.
Accessibility
Disabled parking. There is a public toilet for disabled visitors which is fully accessible. Some walking trails are wheelchair friendly. A wheelchair and electric buggy are available for use.
Visitors with dogs
Dogs are permitted at dog-friendly tables inside the centre. Assistance dogs only on the reserve.
Nature Trails
Brambly Hedge Nature Tail
Meet seven of the characters from the classic stories out on our nature reserve. Test your map reading skills by following our beautifully designed Brambly Hedge map, which is available to purchase from the Nature Discovery Centre, and find Wilfred and his fellow Brambly Hedge mice including Primrose, Lord Woodmouse and Lady Woodmouse. Take part in the wildlife quiz as you go around the trail and learn about mice, where they live and what they eat.
Walking Trails
Various routes around the reserve and reservoir, please call in to the centre and ask for details or purchase a trail guide.
Site map
Photo: Peter Bowden
Photo - Carol Durrell / River Photography
Photo - Carol Durrell / River Photography
Photo - Carol Durrell / River Photography
What to do
Explore
With miles of nature trails to explore and some cosy viewpoints to hide inside if the weather is a little damp, the reserve is a great place to visit all year round.
Events and activities
At Abberton Reservoir 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 huge expanse of Essex & Suffolk Water's Abberton Reservoir is one of Europe's top wetland sites. It is of international importance as a safe haven for wild ducks, swans and other water birds, whether resident, passing through on migration or over-wintering. It lies close to east-coast migration routes and, with its surrounding envelope of pasture and tree plantations, is a welcome sight to tired birds. Up to 40,000 ducks, swans and geese visit each year. The top seven species are Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Coot and Black-headed Gull and they cannot fail to impress. Added to this there can be hundreds of Shoveler, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Pintail and Great Crested Grebe
Volunteering at Abberton Reservoir
We are looking for enthusiastic people to help promote the work of Essex Wildlife Trust at Abberton Rerservoir.
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. The room can be configured in various layouts with tables, chairs and WiFi. Accommodating up to 40 people, this is a great space to host a meeting or a small workshop.
