RSPB Northward Hill — Attraction in Cooling

RSPB Northward Hill offers users 3 walking routes of varying lengths from the car park. You know you're in a special place straight away as very near to the small car park you can hear (but unfortunately we did not see) the unmistakable call of the cuckoo. Colour coded routes are reasonably sign posted. However, as other reviews mention, the weathering effect on the route markers is quite pronounced and they really need to be renewed with weather-proof markers more suited to the British weather. Paths are reasonable to good in some places. In others, the paths are extremely boggy (combination of farm vehicles and cattle I suspect) and/or are totally overgrown. On our visit today, we managed to get almost to the end of the Heronry Trail but alas, we met a totally overgrown final section and had to turn back. Walking near the rookery on the Heronry Trail was just an amazing cacophony of noise. There are benches dotted along the trails and at the viewing points. There's a toilet (disable-friendly and with baby changing) by the car park (it was open despite the website saying it was closed) and a very small picnic area with a couple of picnic tables. Top tips: wear decent walking boots whatever the weather. Make sure arms and legs are covered. Some of the nettles are the size of triffids. Summary: nice walking trails of varying length with the opportunity of seeing some different bird life if you're lucky. Other than a toilet by the car park and 2 picnic tables, no facilities on site. Could do...

This is a great space to visit with excellent views over the marsh lands to spot, Marsh harriers, lapwing, red shank, heron, geese, ducks, oystercatchers. The small car park has signs for 3 trails but the herony trail is no longer used and is over grown. The other 2 trails are fine. The woodland trail is hilly, on visiting in April there are lovely bluebells and throughout the brambles lots of birds singing away, nightingales, robins, chiffchaff, whitethroat warblers, cuckoo, cettis warblers to name a few. The smaller nature trail is also great for views, lots of rabbits and birds and butterflies. There are benches throughout to take a break. There is a toilet, kept in good order, at...

A lovely visit to this peaceful and tranquil nature reserve. There is a small free car park at the entrance. There are 3 marked trails and also a bird hide. There are some lovely views across the countryside and the river Thames. As well as numerous bird species it is a haven for butterflies and other insects including dragon flies. There is seating dotted around the reserve and I found it easy to find a quiet spot and watch and listen to nature. Entry is completely free, there is a little donation box at the entry if you wish...