| Spotlight on...Hadleigh Country Park |
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Overlooking the Thames Estuary, near Southend-on-Sea, Hadleigh Country
Park offers unrivalled opportunities for countryside recreation and
wildlife observation, as well as magnificent views over the estuary to
Kent.
Extending to 152 hectares (387 acres) it is one of the largest country parks in Essex and comprises an intimate mix of woodland, pasture, hay meadow and marsh with old hedgerows and ponds. It is an ideal place for a walk, picnic, to fly a kite or discover wildlife and the remains of Hadleigh Castle are close by, accessible by footpath. The Ranger services on site offer a guided events programme and school visits. The park can be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback. Walkers can follow three marked trails from Chapel Lane car park, one of which leads to the main viewpoint with a panorama that stretches from the mouth of the Thames to Canary Wharf. The remains of Hadleigh Castle are close by and can be reached by a short level walk from the car park. Cyclists and horse riders can access the park via a bridleway at the Benfleet end of the park. Whatever the weather there is always plenty to do at the park. In spring, the bluebells, archangel and celandine put on a magnificent display, while summer sees the meadows in bloom with scores of butterflies drifting over, making an ideal spot for a picnic. In autumn, the blackberries and sloes are a great attraction and winter brings large flocks of birds to the estuary as well as the possibility to go sledging! Hadleigh Country Park offers a wide range of activities specifically designed to meet national curriculum subjects. The park boasts a new Iron Age roundhouse which offers a fantastic setting in which to learn about the Ancient Britons and Romans. Built by site staff from local timber the roundhouse is situated adjacent to Chapel Lane and also serves as a shelter in the event of poor weather. Some of the fantastic walks on offer at Hadleigh Country Park include: Grey - Valley View Walk (Half an Hour) A short gentle walk with a stunning view, this walk takes you to one o f the highest points in the park, offering superb views over the River Thames and the park below. You can take an alternative route back though the woodland to add variety to your time in the park. Blue - Estuary View Walk (One Hour) A longer walk offering fantastic views of Hadleigh Castle and the River Thames. This walk takes you on a loop around the eastern half of the park, down on to the marsh and back up through the central fields, an area abundant in wildlife, ranging from rabbits to birds and a whole host of insects. Black - Downland Explorer Walk (Two Hours) A brilliant walk taking in much of what the park has to offer, with the same magnificent views as the other walks. The Green trail adds a greater experience of the marshland and a journey back up through the park’s meadows. Round Trip to Hadleigh Castle (One and a Half Hours) For a walk to Hadleigh Castle follow the blue walk until you reach the marsh, then turn left towards the castle and follow the path until you reach the farm track which rises steeply to the castle. To return to Chapel Lane car park, head out of the castle towards the Salvation Army tea rooms and follow the road with the white houses (Sea View Terrace) to a farm track which takes you to the park’s entrance. Sea Wall Walk (One and a Half Hours) This level three mile walk from Benfleet to Leigh offers magnificent views over the downs and Benfleet Creek. Access is through Benfleet Moorings, close to Benfleet railway station, or next to the golf driving range near Leigh station. |
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| Easton Farm Park |
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