Essex Wildlife Trust Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park - Colchester

Essex Wildlife Trust Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park is a nature reserve located at Address: Rows Farm, Church Rd, Layer de la Haye, Colchester CO2 0EU, United Kingdom. The park can be reached by phone at 1206738172 and on their website at essexwt.org.uk.

Ecosystem and Specialties

The reserve is known for its visitor center and bird watching area, attracting nature lovers and bird enthusiasts alike. Here, visitors can observe various bird species and immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding ecosystem.

Other Points of Interest

• On-site services
• Wheelchair-accessible car park
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance
• Wheelchair-accessible toilet
• Toilet
• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• NFC mobile payments
• Good for kids

Reviews and Opinions

This nature reserve has received 1217 reviews on Google My Business, with an average rating of 4.6/5. Many visitors appreciate the park's commitment to preserving the natural environment and providing a delightful experience for all.

👍 Reviews of Essex Wildlife Trust Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

Helen C.

4/5

We were after somewhere quiet to park with a decent view and ideally with toilets all this the venue had. The volunteer selling icecream was really friendly. However we had clocked the closing time and fully acknowledge that time so I had planned things accordingly. However we had someone come over to us and tell us we were expected to leave before 5pm. So they could lock up before 5pm. The outcome was my cup of tea was disposed of. If we had been left to our own devices we would have left 5 mins later still before 5pm but I would have had my cup of tea. I should add we weren't the last vehicle in the carpark but most probably singled out as a splits screen van so assumed we were least likely to go. I did go for a quick walk as expected set up for birdwatchers. Continual reminders about not straying from path and blue rope annoying. I felt decent message at the start should be enough, as most people don't stray from paths and if they do they won't both with the signs and rope anyway.

Peter M.

5/5

Really nice place to visit. The pathways are gravel and clear to walk so on a rainy day you could still walk them. The shop and coffee shop are worth a visit. If you have any books to pass on , they have a book shelf of pre loved books and the donations go towards the trust.
Staff are happy and welcoming.

Debra M.

5/5

A very well presented area for families for a picnic and there is a park for children to play. Cafe with indoor and outdoor tables, gift shop, and 3 bird hides for bird watching!! 😍🦆🦢🦜🐦‍⬛🪿

Andrew J.

5/5

Always a friendly welcome here, a lovely walk with great views and a great cup of tea.
No problems parking either.

Olivia C.

4/5

Lovely place and I’m sure the trails are beautiful, but not dog friendly despite calling the visitor centre dog friendly. While dogs are allowed in the cafe, they are not allowed on the nature reserve so a wasted trip for us - we didn’t see anything about no dogs on google (although it is actually clear on their own website which we didn’t check). Cafe has lots of passive aggressive signage about dog behaviour and a depressing cordoned off dog zone that makes you feel like you’re in the dog house! Lots of signs about cleaning up after your dog but then no bins outside so you have to take that with you in the car 😂. A confusing experience too as the first thing you see in the visitor centre is lots of dog toys and treats for sale. Basically don’t bring your dog!

Tomos W.

5/5

We love Abberton, everyone is so very friendly, the coffee shop is fabulous lovely ladies, great hot chocolate or Tea, cold drinks cake or a sandwich ice cream for little ones, and a lovely ambience. Great for disabled children or Adults as easy access my son used to love the star gazing evenings, Halloween scar night.
Wonderful to watch the birds or just meet friends for coffee or lunch. We are so lucky to have it.
Lovely indoor area or outside on the wrap-around balcony safe for children.
If you are new to bird watching always someone to guide you or if you are experienced would be lovely to share your experiences if you wish,
Great shop with good quality gifts.
Fabulous play area for the children.
A lovely walk around the hides such a great area.
Parking is ample and flat for wheelchairs.
Very calm, relaxing area.

Wendy C.

5/5

What a lovely nature reserve with friendly and passionate staff, parking is free and plentiful although you are encouraged to make a donation if you can.

Christopher J. M.

5/5

Stopped off while cycling in the area. The visitor centre had a shop with a large selection of goods to browse. The cafe was very welcome with a selection of bites to choose from along with a selection of coffees & tea. It was a warm sunny day and sitting on the veranda was delightful looking across the reservoir while having a cup of tea and a cheese & ham toasted sandwich.