Thorndon
The Nature Discovery Centre is managed by Essex Wildlife Trust and the Park is managed by Essex County Council in a joint venture.
The Nature Discovery Centre offers some unique gifts and books, a separate education room, refreshments and displays. There are regular activities for children, schools and families. Few areas offer such variety as Thorndon country park and its surroundings. Ancient woodland and historic deer parks lie close alongside recently planted woodland and a landscape of small pastures, while nearby is the high forest of Hartswood and former common land.
Plan your visit
Opening times
Open all year round open 7 days a week.
Winter opening hours:
10am - 4pm, 1 November – 15 Feb
Summer opening hours:
10am – 5pm, 16 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:
Thorndon Park North, The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ
Telephone:
01277 232944
What3words:
///pretty.boats.wells
Directions:
Facilities and access
Car parking and entry
There is an hourly rate parking charge that goes toward the maintenance of the park. This is enforced by Essex County Council. Season tickets are available – please ask for details at the Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre.
There is a coach drop-off space, if you are planning on bringing a group, please ensure you have pre-booked your visit.
Continuous support of the Trust enables us to do amazing work for wildlife here at Ingrebourne 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 Ingrebourne or online.
Cafe
We serve a selection of hot items, sandwiches, wraps, paninis, toasties, children’s lunch boxes, homemade soups and vegan chilli, delicious handmade cakes; including gluten & dairy free, 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
Disabled parking. There is a public toilet for disabled visitors which is fully accessible. Some walking trails are wheelchair friendly.
Visitors with dogs
Dogs are welcome in our outdoor seating area at the Nature Discovery Centre but, other than assistance dogs, they are not allowed inside the cafe and centre.
Please stay on the permitted trails at the park and keep your dog on a lead where required.
Nature Trails
Walking Trails
Various routes around the reserve and reservoir, please call in to the centre and ask for details or purchase a trail guide.
Photo: Carol Durrell / River Photography
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 Thorndon we run a host of activities from early years groups to adult workshops to encourage all ages to connect with nature.
What to see
Thorndon Countryside Park offers a variety of habitats including ancient woodland, parkland, ponds, a marsh and meadow. There are some stunning ancient trees including Giant Oak and Hornbeam pollards, that are reminders that this was once a deer park. Parts of it used to be heathland, now a scarce habitat in Essex, and to restore it parts of the park, both north and south, are being grazed by goats and sheep.
The park attracts a large number of woodland birds and sees more than its fair share of passage migrants and winter visitors. For example, large flocks of Siskins and Redpolls often gather in the birches, and bramblings can be seen near to the centre feeding on beech mast. There are many butterflies to be enjoyed including the uncommon Purple and White-letter Hairstreaks.
Volunteering at Thorndon
We are looking for enthusiastic people to help promote the work of Essex Wildlife Trust at Thorndon.
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.
Funders
Funding for the £1.4 million Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre project has been provided by Veolia North Thames Trust, Heritage Lottery Fund, City Bridge Trust and UK Power Networks. Essex Wildlife Trust also led a successful fundraising appeal to Trust members and the public, to complete the required funds.
Constructors, Coleman & James, started setting up on site in October 2014 and there was a ground-breaking ceremony held for our funders later that month. The Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre has been designed by Tim Ronalds Architects.
