Parndon Wood Nature Reserve 4.57

Parndon Wood Nature Reserve, run by the charity ECCO (charity no. 1130574), is officially one of the finest parks in the country, after receiving a sought after Green Flag award, retained in 2012 for the fourth consecutive year. Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country.
Set on the southern outskirts of Harlow, Parndon Wood has been recorded as a woodland for at least 900 years and therefore can be termed as “ancient woodland”.
The site was turned into a Local Nature Reserve and in 1974 and the reserve was also designated a Special Site for Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its flora and value as an educational resource. The wood is composed of a canopy of oak tree standards with hornbeam trees growing beneath. These have traditionally been coppiced (cut down to the base and allowed to grow up again) every 10-15 years to make use of the timber. This practice is still carried out, though more to keep a diversity of habitats within the woodland and increase the number of species to be found.


Parndon Wood has informal visits by schools, which use it to support national curriculum studies and for special events. These are held throughout the year, for example to demonstrate woodland crafts, painting and woodcarving weekends.


What is there to do?
Follow the trail, or explore the many tracks and paths. There's a 1.5km woodland trail with associated guide and map highlighting the many features of the wood. In the Conservation Centre, learn from the displays about growing and using wood. Watch and even join in on conservation task days throughout the year. Come to some of the many events held throughout the year.


What is there for children?
Parndon Wood is a place where children can explore, build camps, hunt for bugs and much more! There is an easy-access path to some hides for pushchairs, seasonal trail sheets, arts and crafts and events running throughout the year. The wood and Conservation Centre are very popular for birthday parties and there are lots of holiday activities. Our Birthday parties start from £140, which includes 20 children and 2 activities with staff guides and equipment provided.


Volunteering
You can become a volunteer, helping to maintain the conservation areas and wildspaces.

Contact Details:
Parndon Wood Nature Reserve
Parndon Wood Road
Harlow
CM19 4SF
Tel: 01279 444244
Email: info@ecco.org.uk