Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park - EWT

10/09/2026

Join Essex Birdwatching Society here at Hanningfield on 19th September for The Big County Birdwatch. A fantastic free event, from 10:30am. 🪶🐦🐦‍⬛🦆

06/09/2026

Daniel Bridge is running another one-day workshop, at Hanningfield Reservoir, dealing with the fascinating subject of Close-up and Macro Nature Photography. From the structure of a flower, to the eye of a dragonfly, small things seen big, are astounding. Learn how to use your camera to make fantastic pictures from the tiniest details - we look at equipment, techniques, and how to find subjects, to ensure your new-found skill soon becomes an obsession! You need a fair knowledge of how your camera works, i.e. how to control the shutter speed and aperture. The more you know, the easier it will be for you, as you'll have less to think about once the photography begins.

What to bring: A camera! Ideally this would be a Digital SLR or Mirrorless camera, as these are the most adaptable, but most digital compacts and bridge cameras have a good macro facility. A Macro Lens if you have one, but most lenses focus closely enough for you to get lots from the day. A Tripod if you have one, but don't worry if you don't. Memory Cards/Spare Batteries. We'll be trying many different techniques and it would be a shame to feel limited by the number of exposures you could take. Please make sure ant batteries are fully charged too! Any lenses/accessories (including flashguns) you have. You never know when you might need them. Footwear and clothing suitable for a walk in the Reserve. Including wet weather gear (hopefully not required), and please be aware that you should end up kneeling on the ground at some point!

Book here 👉👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hanningfield-daniel-bridge-photography-workshop-close-up-and-macro-tickets-1983968308618?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/09/2026

Did you know??
Kinder Essex host a monthly Nature walk and Hug in a Shrug community craft session here at Hanningfield.
These are free to join and provide a perfect opportunity to connect with the local community, and also give something back.
Kelly and the wonderful crafters run a whole host of projects helping care homes, charities and those in need feel loved and connected. Come along and see how you can help. 🧶

03/09/2026

NEW EVENT ADDED! 🌳Cyanotype walk & make workshop 🌿🖌Sunday 11th October - 10am

Shadows of Summer, Emerging Autumn

A Cyanotype Walk and Make Workshop

Join photographer and creative educator Rebecca Cross of RootsShoots Creative for a special two-hour walk and creative cyanotype workshop at Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park.

Cyanotype is one of the earliest forms of photography. Developed in the 1840s, this fascinating camera-less process uses light-sensitive paper, natural objects, sunlight and water to create beautiful prints in distinctive shades of Prussian blue. Wherever the sunlight reaches, the paper turns blue, while the objects placed upon it leave behind delicate white shapes, shadows and impressions.

Our workshop will begin with a gentle, mindful walk around the reserve. Together, we’ll slow down and look more closely at the landscape, searching for the subtle signs of the seasons changing: fading summer plants, fallen leaves, grasses, seed heads, feathers and the first textures and colours of autumn.

You’ll be invited to find something that represents summer lingering, something that suggests autumn arriving and something that appears to sit between the two. Using fallen and gathered natural materials, you’ll then learn how to arrange your discoveries into your own photographic compositions.

We’ll place our designs onto light-sensitive paper and expose them to the daylight before washing them in water and watching the images gradually appear. Part science, part photography and part creative experimentation, every cyanotype is completely unique.

This relaxed, hands-on workshop is an opportunity to connect with nature, explore your creativity and express your own response to Hanningfield’s changing landscape. You don’t need any previous photography or art experience, and all the creative materials will be provided. Simply bring yourself, your curiosity and a little time to enjoy nature and art.

At the end of the workshop, we’ll bring our prints together to create a temporary collective record of Hanningfield between the seasons. You’ll also take home your own original cyanotype artworks: lasting blue impressions of a landscape caught between the shadows of summer and the arrival of autumn.

£21 per person
Book on 01268 711001 or in person at the Centre.

01/09/2026

🦔🦔Last few spaces are remaining for the Hedgehog fused glass workshop.
To book call us on 01268 711001.

01/09/2026

👀Check out our upcoming Autumn & Winter events.
There's something for everyone....Connect with nature and enjoy the beautiful setting here at Hanningfield.

28/08/2026

🌳 Extra session added....
Our first two forest bathing sessions have sold out. Make sure you secure your place before it's gone!
Details 👇👇

27/08/2026

🌟 Just added....Autumn workshops 🍂

Greenacres glass will be back in October offering these popular workshops. You can choose from the morning session where you'll make a piece inspired by plant pots on a shelf, or the afternoon session where you can make your own tealight holder. Take inspiration from the changing season at Hanningfield and add some Autumnal colours, or even some spooky additions 👻

To book call the Centre on 01268 711001.

21/08/2026

If you need a moment to relax, unwind and enjoy the end of the summer holidays join us at Wild Women next Wednesday for a morning of relaxation, wildlife watching and more🐞🌲

Please note there will NOT be a fire at this session due to ongoing warm, dry weather🚫

Connect with nature in a safe community for women.