Parndon Wood Nature Reserve

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 bought by Harlow Council in 1968 to be turned into a Local Nature Reserve and in 1974, 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 practise is still carried out, though more to keep a diversity of habitats within the woodland and increase the number of species to be found.

The reserve is also a haven for flora, fungi, birds, minibeasts, small mammals and deer and is a beautiful and peaceful place to wander whether on your own, with family of with friends and visitors are more than welcome! You can follow our guided trail or with points of interest and things to look out for or just enjoy the surroundings. There are observation hides to sit quietly and watch for deer or birds setting down by the ponds.

 

The trail is a wide, well marked path with gentle inclines, though some may struggle during months when the ground is soft. A fully accessible boardwalk and hide will soon be available overlooking our new pond and dipping platform.

We also have a fully accessible conservation centre with toilets, meeting room, laboratory, leaflets, displays and a reference library for those who wish to know more.

 

For more information contact Glenn Mulleady, Biodiversity Officer at:

Parndon Wood Nature Reserve
Parndon Wood Road
Harlow
Essex
CM19 4SF

Telephone: 01279-430005,
E-mail: darren.fazackerley@harlow.gov.uk

Winter opening times: 1st October – 31st March

Sundays and Bank Holidays   11am-4pm

Summer opening times: 1st April – 30th September

Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays    9am-6pm
Tuesday evenings    7pm-9pm

Extended opening hours are available during school holidays as part of our Forest Funtasia Project.  For more information please contact us.

Organised group and school visits are always welcome with prior arrangement both when the reserve is open or closed. We can help to facilitate your event or run activities and field studies through out new Forest Funtasia Project based at Parndon Wood.