The Essex Wildlife Trust visitors centre. Free parking under the trees. Enter along the pathway next to the wild flower beds with a special Wind in the willows area for children. It's a donation to enter. The centre has a small cafe that serves various hot drinks , cakes, sandwiches and cold drinks. You can sit next to the huge windows and look through the trees to view the reservoir. Binoculars are available to hire. Lovely gifts also available.

Lovely walk round the woods and along the reservoir. Son loved the red wood ants, thought they were crazy but enjoyed watching them. He also loved the butterflies and seeing the wind in the willows characters.

Fantastic place to visit - a lovely walk for all ages around the reserve, with a wind into the willows trail for younger visitors, plus we saw a huge variety of wildlife! We took part in a half term activity whilst there which was really well done and we all enjoyed ourselves (a very small cost, but great value for money) We then enjoyed a delicious hot chocolate and piece of cake in the cafe, which over looks the reservoir with bird feeders placed outside the window which were lovely to sit and watch! Really nice shop there too, and the staff/volunteers were friendly and helpful. Highly recommend a visit!

Such a tranquil space. Woodland walks, hides to watch the wildfowl. You are surrounded by wildlife so keep your ears & eyes open! Easy walking if you follow the trail signs....some paths were designated wheelchair friendly but after Autumn leaf fall these were less apparant or navigable. Two lovely cafes ( one half way round the full walk from the visitors' centre) made welcome pit stops. Truly scrumptious mince pies!

Honestly, an incredible experience from the moment we arrived and were greeted by the lovely lady outside. The facilities are clean, has a great cafe and shop, and the walks / views are sensational!