Langdon Nature Discovery Park

langdon

Steven Collins

langdon

Steven Collins

langdon

Steven Collins

Essex Wildlife Trust Community Sensory Garden at Langdon Nature Reserve
Langdon Grassland
Langdon nature reserve

The Langdon Nature Discovery Park has installed a new permanent height restriction barrier at the entrance to the car park: 7’ 2” (2.2m)

Our new and sustainable Nature Discovery Centre with enhanced facilities is now open to the public. We look forward to welcoming you to our gateway to the Langdon Hills.

Location

Langdon Nature Discovery Park
Lower Dunton Road
Basildon
SS16 6EJ
A static map of Langdon Nature Discovery Park

Know before you go

Size
210 hectares
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Parking information

Large free car park on site. Height restriction 7’ 2” (2.2m).

Bicycle parking

Yes

Grazing animals

Sheep grazing from January-March and from May-December.
Cows grazing from May-October
Goats grazing from July-September

Access

Various trails and routes throughout the nature reserve.

Dogs

Dogs permitted

Please note that dogs are permitted on the reserve but are not allowed inside the Nature Discovery Centre.  

Assistance dogs are allowed in the Nature Discovery Centre.

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Facilities

Visitor centre
Toilets
Shop
Cafe/refreshments
Accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities
Wifi
Disabled parking

When to visit

Opening times

Langdon Nature Discovery Centre is open 7 days a week.

Winter opening hours:
10am – 4pm, 1 November – 10 February.

Summer opening hours:
10am – 5pm, 11 February – 31 October.

Christmas opening hours:
Christmas Eve 10am – 2pm, Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve 10am – 2pm.

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

Langdon Nature Discovery Centre is set in a stunning nature reserve of 461 acres which comprises of woodland, meadows, lakes and former plotland gardens. Langdon nature reserve is the largest inland reserve managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. The nature reserve occupies some of the highest land in the county, has some commanding views and offers miles of excellent walks, where an abundance of wildlife can be enjoyed. 

In the summer there is the opportunity to enjoy Turtle Doves, Nightingales and Woodcock, while in the winter thrushes and finches can be enjoyed. There are thirty butterfly species at Langdon including White Admiral, Green Hairstreak, Marbled White and Grizzled Skipper, making this a spectacular reserve for butterflies in Essex. Langdon also offers seven species of wild orchids in bloom in Many and June. Over 350 wild flowering plants have been recorded. Badgers, Foxes and Weasels all thrive in the meadows.

The nature reserve offers walks through many different areas and habitats, including a Coronation Meadow, and can offer the visitor a really interesting day out. The Nature Discovery Centre has a gift shop and restaurant. We will be offering a schools programme and activities for children and families in the future.

Please note the Haven museum is currently closed while we develop exciting new plans to restore and preserve this important piece of Langdon’s heritage. Please do talk to the Nature Discovery Centre team to find out more.

Contact us

Essex Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 01268 419103
Contact email: langdon@essexwt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Site map

Click to enlarge or download