Nature Reserves, Parks, Walking & Cycling

Situated in the rolling countryside of North Essex, the Braintree District is perfectly placed to explore the highways and quiet byways of the county. Whether you like to tramp, stroll or cycle there are many Nature Reserves, Parks, published walks and rides available, many local clubs and associations also organise walks throughout the district, details are available from the Braintree Tourist Information Centre – 01376 550066 and the Witham Visitor Centre – 01376 502674. Here are a few:

Braintree - The Mansell Way
A 20-mile circular walk that passes through the villages and valleys surrounding Braintree. A varied and interesting range of quiet footpaths, bridleways and byways which lead you from village to village with the minimum of road walking.

Braintree Town Trail
A one-hour leisurely walk tracing a path through the history of Braintree. The walk starts at the Town Hall Centre and meanders through the old Market Place, High Street and Bank Street. Be sure to keep an eye out for a ‘Crittall’ window and the Church of St Michael’s.

Chalkney Wood
An ancient woodland actively coppiced since medieval times. The different stages of regrowth attract a wealth of wildlife best seen in the spring when the wood is carpeted with bluebells and wood primroses and many birds such as the nightingale can be heard.

Colne Valley Cycle Trail
Follow four trails through the Colne Valley: the Colne Valley Trail, Castle and Churches, Two Valleys and Meadows and Wood Trail. All the routes wherever possible follow quiet lanes in the scenic and diverse countryside of the Colne Valley. Look out for Hedingham Castle, the Round Church at Little Maplestead, the River Colne and Chappel Viaduct.

Colne Valley Farm Park
Set in 30 acres of traditional river meadows; explore the peaceful and natural setting by the River Colne.  Enjoy the wealth of traditional farm animals and regular sightings of riverside birds, reptiles and mammals.  Bring a picnic to make the most out of the day.
www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk
Tel 01787 461157

East Braintree Heritage Trail
Follow the footsteps of this trail to seek out the beginnings of Braintree’s industrial past. Keep an eye out for the many Heritage Panels dotted along the 1 ½ - 2 hours walk which illustrates the history of the Jubilee Oak, Crittall’s houses, Courtaulds Mill, Lake and Elliot’s Powerhouse, Braintree’s first Railway Station and Crittall's metal working factory.

Essex Way
The Essex Way is a long distance path stretching right across the County of Essex from Epping in the southwest to the port of Harwich in the northeast following footpaths and ancient green lanes. Join the route at White Notley, Cressing or Coggeshall and walk or cycle through tree-lined river valleys and leafy green lanes.

Essex Wildlife Trust
Brookes Reserve – Situated between Stisted and Greenstead Green, this nature reserve is made up of over 40-acres of ancients SSSI woodland and over 18 acres of arable fields, part of which has been planted with native trees. A network of historic green lanes, one a bridleway crosses the woods and there are 12 ponds.

Loshes meadow – off the Subury/Halstead road, the reserve lies in an attractive valley in low hills rising from the River Stour flood plain. It was farmed until the mid 50’s and then left to ‘go wild’ until leased by the Essex Wildlife Trust in 1974. A variety of flowering plants and birdlife is plentiful.

St Peters Marsh – North of St Peter’s Church, Bocking, this is the smallest nature reserve in Essex and indeed one of the smallest in the UK. It comprises fresh marsh, fed by springs and was planted with populars, most of which have been felled to let in more light. The reserve is a traditional frog breeding site. Visit by appointment only (01206 729678)

For further information on the above reserves, please call 01621 862960 or visit the website www.essexwt.org.uk

Flitch Way
A country path through fifteen miles of countryside with views along the former Bishop’s Stortford to Braintree Railway line. Your journey on foot, bicycle or horseback will take you through wildlife-rich railway cuttings, past Victorian stations, nearby villages and woods.
www.essexcc.gov.uk/countryparks
www.friends-of-the-flitch-way.org.uk
Tel 01787 277310

Great Notley Country Park and Discovery Centre (MG2a, MG1a)
Great Notley Country Park has 100 acres of open space and boasts an interesting landscape with hay meadows, wild flower grassland, trees and beautiful lakes. The Discovery Centre itself won an Environmental Initiative of the Year award as the 6kw wind turbine contributes energy to light the building, rainwater is recycled through the showers and toilets whilst the whole building maximises the use of solar energy and offers information on sustainable building techniques. Open 1000 to 1600, Tuesday - Friday and Sundays.
www.braintree.gov.uk
Tel 01376 347134

John Ray Walk
A nine-mile linear walk between Braintree and Witham celebrating the life and achievements of John Ray (the eminent 17th century natural historian). The walk passes through the picturesque countryside of the Brain Valley, the birthplace and home of John Ray.

Stour Valley Path
From Newmarket to Cattawade, near Maningtree this 62 mile walk follows the valley of the beautiful River Stour – where famous artist John Constable was inspired to paint.