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This park is truly beautiful.
This country park contains a diverse range of habitats and is managed both for people and for its precious wildlife. There are some fantastic walks through ancient woodland and historic deer parks which lie close alongside recently planted woodland and a landscape of small pastures. Thorndon Countryside Centre is managed by Essex Wildlife Trust and the Park is managed by Essex County Council in a joint venture. Gruffalo Trail Come and see the original Gruffalo Trail - a self-led trail around the woods, searching for carvings of the Gruffalo characters. Gruffalo Activity Maps are available from the Countryside Centre, at a cost of 50p. The countryside centre offers some unique gifts and books, a separate education room, refreshments and displays. There are regular activities for children, schools and families. Few areas offer such variety as Thorndon country park and its surroundings. Ancient woodland and historic deer parks lie close alongside recently planted woodland and a landscape of small pastures, while nearby is the high forest of Hartswood and former common land. Thorndon Country Park is in two parts, the northern section on a gravel ridge and the southern part on clay soil lower down. The two parts are now linked by Old Thorndon Pastures, which is farmland that has been restored to a traditional farming landscape with small hedged fields, grazed by cattle.
This is a must for nature enthusiast.
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Another lovely day over at Thorndon for our annual trip fishing with the "lads". This started in 1999 when I took my young nephew fishing for the first time. A tradition that has carried on in the intervening years. Since then, one nephew became two and a few years later my own son joined the 'party' as well as my brother in law.
The years have seen the changes, my two nephews have become fine young men, and my own son is now 13, but sadly my brother in law fell victim to a particularly nasty type of cancer last year and his presence, ability and patience to untangle is much missed.
Growing up, I was a regular fisher at Thorndon and it was an incredibly popular place to go to drown maggots. Now sadly, the lake has become over grown and there are few clear fishing spots that are not impeded by fallen trees. HOWEVER. for the second year on the trot, we were the only ones there, and were able, on a bright autumnal day, have the pick of the available places. Fish after fish was pulled out, some small, some slightly bigger, but not being serious fishermen nephews and son were happy to be kept busy. Fishing is already cheap over there, but when there is no sign of a warden to collect the money, it becomes cheaper still. Downside? the cafe was not selling ice creams or chips. All in all another great day out in an idyllic setting. Thank you...
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Thorndon Country park provides some great outdoor walking, located close to Brentwood in Essex. Access is from the A128, just north of its junction with the A127 and a few miles outside the M25.
A large car park is provided, currently £2 for all day parking. BBQ can be used in the car park, but check local signs for charges.
The park is well used by people for a variety of uses from dog walking, fishing to jogging. You can often see kites being flown near the visitor centre.
The visitor centre sells gifts and refreshments, with views of the local area.
The park and car park is open every day, although parking will close in the evenings after sun set. Please check signs...
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