As the temperatures dip and the days get shorter this winter season, it is even more important to get out into nature and make the most of the daylight hours. Here are 6 top winter walking destinations with Essex Wildlife Trust:
Thameside Nature Discovery Park – Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 ORN
This site was once one of the largest landfill sites in Western Europe. It is now unrecognisable as a thriving nature reserve at the mouth of the Thames Estuary. Here you’ll find a network of trails overlooking Mucking Mudflats and Stanford Wharf. At the top of the site, the Nature Discovery Centre has an accessible rooftop, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the site. You may spot starling murmurations or a short-eared owl with its piercing yellow eyes hunting over the grasslands.
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park – Colchester, Fingringhoe, CO5 7DN
Fingringhoe Wick, Essex Wildlife Trust’s first reserve overlooks the Colne Estuary and boasts many wildlife hides around the site offering refuge in the colder months. Thousands of waders and wildfowl migrate to the estuary every winter, including the scarce avocet. Numerous walking trails lead you through the different habitats that this site has to offer, where you can explore woodland, scrub, heathland and ponds.
Two Tree Island nature reserve – Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2GB
Enjoy a coastal walk at Two Tree Island and look out over the mudflats, which are the ideal habitat for thousands of waders and wildfowl. Take a moment to stop and listen for the large shuffling flocks of dark-bellied brent geese that graze on the thick beds of eelgrass, having completed their epic journey from the Arctic to this small island in the Thames estuary. Wander around the western section and you will reach the Lagoon Hide, where hundreds of waders such as curlew, dunlin, avocet, redshank and black-tailed godwit flock to.
Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre – Havering-atte-Bower, Romford RM4 1QH
This nature reserve includes mature woodland, marshes, meadows, ponds and streams to explore. Visitors can pop into the Nature Discovery Centre, where you can fuel up with a snack and look out over the views across London and into Kent. As you walk through the park you might glimpse wild deer including roe, fallow and muntjac. You can also admire the captive red deer herd grazing in the parklands.
Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park – Colchester, Layer de la Haye, CO2 0EU
Winter is the perfect time to visit this wetland site of international importance for wildfowl including smew and goldeneye birds. Wander the circular trail round the reserve to the two bird hides and enjoy the chorus of migrating birds. Afterwards, head to the Nature Discovery Centre where visitors can enjoy a hot chocolate while taking in the views across the reservoir. Children can also take part in the Brambly Hedge Trail and find Wilfred and his fellow mice hidden around the reserve including Primrose, Lord Woodmouse and Lady Woodmouse from the classic stories.
Blue House Farm nature reserve – Chelmsford, North Fambridge CM3 6GU
You’ll be treated to the sight and sound of dark-bellied brent geese, having completed their 2,500-mile journey from Siberia. Plus, you’ll be able to witness the newly-created 40-hectare wetland. This wetland provides ideal habitat for a variety of wildfowl and wading birds, including lapwing, oystercatchers and redshank. Watch out for barn owls and marsh harriers soaring over the fields on the look-out for scurrying rodents. With its picturesque countryside views, easy circular walks, bird hides, and even herds of grazing sheep, Blue House Farm promises a winter adventure.
For a full list of Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserves, please visit: www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves
Charlotte Mugliston, Marketing Officer at Essex Wildlife Trust says: “In winter we don’t always take the time to appreciate nature, even though it can help us to feel calmer and less stressed during the darker and colder days. Here are some of our favourite walks across Essex to inspire you to get outside and reconnect to nature no matter the weather. Grab your wellies and raincoat and enjoy one of our recommended winter walks to discover the incredible wildlife on your doorstep.”
