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Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Telephone: 01268 711001

Email: Click here

Opening: Daily, 9am-5pm

Address: Hawkswood Road , Downham, Billericay, Essex, CM11 1WT

Grid ref: TQ 725 971

A warm welcome will always greet you at Hanningfield reservoir visitor centre.The visitor centre is set in mature woodland and offers superb views over the 870 acre Hanningfield Reservoir.

It is an ideal place to view the wildlife within the nature reserve and to receive the latest sightings news. The centre has full disabled access as does the Lyster Bird hide that is a short distance away.

There are lots of gifts in the centre shop and a full range of binoculars and telescopes as well as books and refreshments. So while you're enjoying a nice warming drink you can take time to enjoy the stunning view over the water and browse the display.

For more about the visitor centre click here

Booking is essential for most centre events, so make sure you call or visit the centre in advance to avoid disappointment.


View our upcoming events for July 2010

Sun 4th Jul 2010

10:00-16:00 Basic Map Reading and Navigation

Even if you have no experience, by the end of this course you will be able to use an ordnance survey map and a compass. The morning will be in the classroom and in the afternoon you will be out on the reserve using your new skills.The day ends with a brief talk on kit choice and safety when walking. Donation £25.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Mon 5th Jul 2010

10:00-11:30 Caterpillar Club July

Monthly pre school club run every third Thursday of the month for under 5's. Wildlife activties on the nature reserve. Donation £5.00 per child (babes in arms free). Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 11th Jul 2010

11:00-16:00 Optics Day at Hanningfield 1

Come and look at our superb range of optics from binoculars, telescopes, eyepieces, tripods and accessories.David Bailes will be on hand to give you the advice you need to choose those ideal optics for you. Normal entry donations apply. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 17th Jul 2010

19:00-9:00 Wild Night Out 2

Enjoy a whole night on the nature reserve exploring its wildlife – bat detecting, nocturnal pond dipping, small mammal survey and much more. Eat supper round an open fire, camp in tents provided and enjoy a full English breakfast at the centre in the morning. Donation £30.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 18th Jul 2010

10:00-16:00 Photography in the Park at Hanningfield

A one day workshop, run by Daniel Bridge, designed to develop the way in which you see and take photos. Donation £35.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Fri 23rd Jul 2010

19:00-9:00 Wild Night Out 3

Enjoy a whole night on the nature reserve exploring its wildlife – bat detecting, nocturnal pond dipping, small mammal survey and much more. Eat supper round an open fire, camp in tents provided and enjoy a full English breakfast at the centre in the morning. Donation £30.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 25th Jul 2010

10:00-16:00 Our Native Trees

Native woodlands and the way they have been managed are an often-overlooked aspect of our history. The course will begin with an introduction to and history of native woodlands, looking at what defines a native tree and moving on to the state of our woodlands in the present day. It will focus on trees that are likely to be found in the woodlands and hedgerows of Essex and will explain how we identify trees using a combination of clues such as leaves, buds, bark, tree height and location. Simple identification keys will also be discussed. Leader: Bill Godsafe. Requested Donation: £30.00 To book a place on this course please contact Abbotts Hall Farm Admin team on 01621 862960 or admin@essexwt.org.uk

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

12:00-16:00 Inflatable Fun Day

NEW EVENT A variety of inflatables including bouncy castles and slides will be in the glade. A wristband can be obtained for £5 donation in the visitor centre and this gives unlimited go's on the inflatables for the 4 hours. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Wed 28th Jul 2010

10:30-15:00 Wildlife Discovery Day Forest Skills

Donation £10.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Fri 30th Jul 2010

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day Forest Skills

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

19:00-9:00 Wild Night Out 4

Enjoy a whole night on the nature reserve exploring its wildlife – bat detecting, nocturnal pond dipping, small mammal survey and much more. Eat supper round an open fire, camp in tents provided and enjoy a full English breakfast at the centre in the morning. Donation £30.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Wed 4th Aug 2010

10:30-15:00 Wildlife Discovery Day Tracks Trails and Treasure

Donation £10.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

19:30-21:30 Owl Evening at Hanningfield

Come & enjoy another fantastic evening with Phil Eckett from ‘Owlwise’ and meet several different types of owls. Features a seated illustrated talk, and an interactive demonstration with live owls. Donation £5.00 per adult & £3.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Fri 6th Aug 2010

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day Tracks Trails and Treasure

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 7th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

19:00-9:00 Wild Night Out 5

Enjoy a whole night on the nature reserve exploring its wildlife – bat detecting, nocturnal pond dipping, small mammal survey and much more. Eat supper round an open fire, camp in tents provided and enjoy a full English breakfast at the centre in the morning. Donation £30.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 8th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Mon 9th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Tue 10th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

12:00-16:00 Inflatable Fun Day at Hanningfield

NEW EVENT A variety of inflatables including bouncy castles and slides will be in the glade. A wristband can be obtained for £5 donation in the visitor centre and this gives unlimited go's on the inflatables for the 4 hours. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Wed 11th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Wildlife Discovery Day Den Building and Survival

Donation £10.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

19:30-21:30 South Essex Wildlife Hospital Talk at Hanningfield

Sue Schwar, founder of South Essex Wildlife Hospital will be giving an interesting and informative talk about the running of the hospital and the animals they have to deal with. She will be specifically mentioning our spiky friend the hedgehog and will have some in the centre to see. Donation £5.00 per adult or £3.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Thu 12th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Fri 13th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day Den Building and Survival

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

19:30-21:30 Family Bat Evening

Join us for an evening about bats. The evening will start with a short slide show and talk in the visitor centre before venturing out to observe bats exit their roost at the centre, and for a walk through the nature reserve with bat detectors. Donation £5.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 14th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

19:00-9:00 Wild Night Out 6

Enjoy a whole night on the nature reserve exploring its wildlife – bat detecting, nocturnal pond dipping, small mammal survey and much more. Eat supper round an open fire, camp in tents provided and enjoy a full English breakfast at the centre in the morning. Donation £30.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 15th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Mon 16th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Tue 17th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Wed 18th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:30-15:00 Day Pond Dipping Wildlife Discovery Day

Donation £10.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Thu 19th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-11:30 Caterpillar Club August

Monthly pre school club run every third Thursday of the month for under 5's. Wildlife activties on the nature reserve. Donation £5.00 per child (babes in arms free). Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Fri 20th Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day Pond Dipping Hanningfield

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 21st Aug 2010

9:00-17:00 Art Exhibition at Hanningfield

A selection of paintings of birds by Keith Clark will be on display in the visitor centre. Come and have a browse and even buy if you see something that takes your fancy! Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

19:00-9:00 Wild Night Out 7

Enjoy a whole night on the nature reserve exploring its wildlife – bat detecting, nocturnal pond dipping, small mammal survey and much more. Eat supper round an open fire, camp in tents provided and enjoy a full English breakfast at the centre in the morning. Donation £30.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Wed 25th Aug 2010

10:30-15:00 Wildlife Discovery Day Snakes and Lizards

Donation £10.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Fri 27th Aug 2010

10:00-12:00 Family Nature Day Snakes and Lizards

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 28th Aug 2010

10:00-16:00 Macro Photography at Hanningfield August

Join Daniel Bridge for a one day workshop on close-up and macro photography. Donation £35.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 29th Aug 2010

10:00-16:00 Family Fun Day

Our annual Family Fun Day is lots of fun for all the family! There are stalls, games, pond dipping, mini-beast hunting, face painting and an owl exhibition. Essex and Suffolk Water are again running their Dragon Boat Racing event at the other end of the reserve.Donation £2.00 per adult, £1 per child or £5 per family. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 11th Sep 2010

11:00-16:00 Optics Day Hanningfield September

Come and look at our superb range of optics from binoculars, telescopes, eyepieces, tripods and accessories.David Bailes will be on hand to give you the advice you need to choose those ideal optics for you. Normal entrance donation. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Thu 16th Sep 2010

10:00-11:30 Caterpillar Club September

Monthly pre school club run every third Thursday of the month for under 5's. Wildlife activties on the nature reserve. Donation £5.00 per child (babes in arms free). Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 18th Sep 2010

10:00-16:00 Photography in the Park

A one day workshop, run by Daniel Bridge, designed to develop the way in which you see and take photos. Donation £35.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 19th Sep 2010

10:00-16:00 Hanningfield Sponsored Walk

Come and join us on a great day out walking through beautiful and varied Essex countryside, raising money for wildlife and conservation in Essex. Choice of 3 lengths of route all starting from Benfleet station. Donation £6.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 10th Oct 2010

10:00-16:00 Macro Photography at Hanningfield

Join Daniel Bridge for a one day workshop on close-up and macro photography. Donation £35.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 17th Oct 2010

10:00-15:00 Autumn Walk

Come and join us on a great day out walking through beautiful and varied Essex countryside, raising money for wildlife and conservation in Essex. Choice of 3 lengths of route all starting from Benfleet station. Donation £7.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Thu 21st Oct 2010

10:00-11:30 Caterpillar Club October

Monthly pre school club run every third Thursday of the month for under 5's. Wildlife activties on the nature reserve. Donation £5.00 per child (babes in arms free). Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 24th Oct 2010

11:00-16:00 Bird Advice Day

Our advisor will be available to discuss all aspects of garden bird care including feeding, nest boxes and what to do with casualties. Normal entrance donation. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Tue 26th Oct 2010

10:00-12:00 Wonderful Woods

Donation £4.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

13:30-15:30 Have a Hoot

Donation £4.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Wed 27th Oct 2010

10:30-15:00 Wildlife Discovery Day Hibernating Horrors

Donation £10.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Fri 29th Oct 2010

10:00-12:00 Hibernating Horrors

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

18:00-20:00 Howling Halloween

Join us for an evening of spooky goings on at Hanningfield. Dress up in your Halloween costume and come and explore wildlife on the nature reserve and take part in arts and crafts, bat detecting, mini beast hunting, and much more. Warm up with a hot chocolate in the visitor centre. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 30th Oct 2010

9:00-17:00 Second Hand Book Sale

There will be a large selection of second hand books for sale in the visitor centre. Come and pick up a bargain! Normal entrance donation. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 31st Oct 2010

9:00-17:00 Second Hand Book Sale

There will be a large selection of second hand books for sale in the visitor centre. Come and pick up a bargain! Normal entrance donation. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Thu 18th Nov 2010

10:00-11:30 Caterpillar Club November

Monthly pre school club run every third Thursday of the month for under 5's. Wildlife activties on the nature reserve. Donation £5.00 per child (babes in arms free). Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 20th Nov 2010

11:00-16:00 Optics Day Hanningfield November

Come and look at our superb range of optics from binoculars, telescopes, eyepieces, tripods and accessories.David Bailes will be on hand to give you the advice you need to choose those ideal optics for you. Normal entrance donation. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 28th Nov 2010

11:00-16:00 Christmas Craft Fair at Hanningfield

There will be a selection of stalls in the centre selling 'different' Christmas gift ideas. Normal entrance donation. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sun 12th Dec 2010

11:00-16:00 Christmas Walk

Join us on an approx 5 mile walk from Hanningfield Visitor Centre through the local countryside. Homemade soup and mince pies on return. Donation £7.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Thu 16th Dec 2010

10:00-11:30 Caterpillar Club December

Monthly pre school club run every third Thursday of the month for under 5's. Wildlife activties on the nature reserve. Donation £5.00 per child (babes in arms free). Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Sat 18th Dec 2010

14:00-16:00 Christmas Crafts at Hanningfield

Join us for a family afternoon of Christmas Crafts in the visitor centre. Make a range of decorations to decorate your tree and home using natural materials such as wood, pasta mixed with lots of glitz and sparkle! Drop in session - donation per craft.

Location Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Categories

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Visitor Centres

Abberton Reservoir
Abbotts Hall Farm
Bedfords Park
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Fingringhoe Wick
Hanningfield Reservoir
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Braintree
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