Hainault Forest Website

What's On in Redbridge

See also the Healthy Walks programme

 

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è Pay and Display Car Parking  è

Pay and Display Car Parking charges now apply every day during opening hours.

Charges are £1 for up to 2 hours and £2 for the remainder of the day.

 

For Park closing times please check the time boards adjacent to the four pay and display ticket machines.

Disabled Blue Badge holders displaying their badge at the windscreen of their vehicle are exempt from charges.

Coaches over 16 seats are free.

 

Annual Season tickets will be available to purchase from 1st September 2007.

Price tariff for Redbridge residents is £90

and £140 for non-residents.

Proof of residence is required to qualify for the redbridge discount.

Application forms will be available on Redbridge i or if you would like to be sent a copy by post

telephone the Country Park office on 0208 500 7353.

 

 

Hainault Forest Country Park   2010 Programme

 

Redbridge Nature Conservation Team Events

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOME PAGE     GETTING THERE  HEALTHY WALKS   LINKS  NEW BOOK   ORIENTEERING  WINTER WALK

 Conservation

 

 

 

 

The nature conservation ranger team organizes many events and activities at a number of green spaces throughout the borough. All our events are FREE unless otherwise stated. For some events, booking is required. 

 

A responsible adult must accompany all persons under the age of 16 on all events.

 

Volunteering Information

As you can see our winter schedule is packed full of opportunities for you to take part in practical conservation tasks throughout the borough. Volunteering with us is a great way to get some fresh air and gentle exercise, meet new people and learn more about wildlife in the borough. Please note that we provide all the necessary tools and training on how to use them. Volunteers are free to work at their own pace and we provide plenty of tea and biscuits as an extra incentive! Please bring your own packed lunch if the workday takes place over lunchtime and wear old clothes and sturdy footwear.  Remember no experience needed, just enthusiasm!

 

If you are planning to come to any of our practical conservation workdays, please do ring or email beforehand so that we know to expect you and can bring the right amount of tools.

 

Important Information

Please be aware that some of our sites may not be suitable for those with wheelchairs, buggies, etc.  Also, most of our sites do not have toilets. Therefore it is very important that those with special requirements contact us before an event to find out about the accessibility of each site. Please wear sturdy footwear, particularly on guided walks.

 

Teachers

The nature conservation rangers can lead on a number of educational activities at various open spaces throughout the borough so please do get in contact if you would like to arrange a class trip.

 

For booking and further information: call 020 8501 1426 or email nature.conservation@redbridge.gov.uk

Sunday 25 April

Songs at Dawn

4.45am to 8am

Meet at: Hainault Forest Country Park

After last year's very successful walk led by the Woodward brothers, we've ask them to lead us through the forest again to hear the songs of our native and migratory wildlife during their most important time of year - the breeding season. We’ll then enjoy a tasty selection of breakfast treats. £3 per person. Booking essential. Suitable for 11 yrs +.

 

Tuesday 27 April

Birds of the Roding and Ray Park

10am to 12noon

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

Join Alan Hobson, local birder, on a walk along the river to discover what birds we get in the park and around the river. Not suitable for pushchairs.

 

Thursday 29 April

Volunteer Work Day

10am to 2pm

Meet at: Claybury Woods, entrance on corner of Ravensbourne Gardens and Wedmore Avenue

Come and lend a hand doing some practical conservation work in one of the borough’s most beautiful open spaces. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm! As usual all tools will be provided, as well as plenty of tea and biscuits!

 


 

Monday 3 May

Get to Know Your Local Park

11am to 12noon

Meet at: Seven Kings Park, main entrance on Aldborough Road South, opposite Suffolk Road

Join local park keeper, Martin Plumb, for a guided walk around the park. You’ll get an insight into the history, maintenance and daily life of the park.

 

Tuesday 4 May

Minibeast Loggery creation

10.30am to 3pm

Meet at: Goodmayes Park, gate on junction of Stevens Road and Dunkeld Road

Come and help the rangers to create a loggery. It will provide dead wood, a vital habitat, for a range of minibeasts, including the stag beetle. 

 

Saturday 8 May

Riverside clean-up

2 to 4.30pm

Meet at: bus stop outside Tesco at Charlie Brown’s Roundabout

Come and lend a hand cleaning up the riverside in Roding Valley Park. We’ll focus on collecting litter but may also clear some scrub.

 

Sunday 9 May

Wildlife explorers

Meet at: Valentines Mansion

11am to 12.30pm and 1 to 2.30pm

Discover the wonderful mini-world of the creatures and plants found around the mansion grounds in celebration of the international year of biodiversity. We’ll be looking for signs of summer and there might be a chance to get up close and personal with various minibeasts. Minimum age 5yrs. Booking essential.  020 8708 8100 or valentines@redbridge.gov.uk

 

Monday 10 May

Guided walk in your local park

10am to 11am

Meet at: Elmhurst Gardens, entrance on Gordon Road.

Join Bill Frost for a gentle stroll about this lovely little open space. You will gain an insight into the history, management and daily life of the park.

 

Thursday 13 May

Thistle management

10am – 1pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

Come and help the wildflower meadow of the Roding thrive, by managing some of the more vigorous species. This area is a new site of wetland and meadow habitat and contributes to the diverse array of species we see along the river.

 

Saturday 15 May

Birds of Claybury

10am to 12noon

Meet at: Claybury Park, junction of Roding Lane North and Vicarage Road.

Join Alan Hobson, a local Claybury birder, for a walk around the park and woodland to see and hear our native birds, including the newly arrived migrants. Not suitable for pushchairs.

 

Saturday 15 May

Bat and moth night

8pm to 10pm

Meet at: Valentines Mansion Grounds

Come and join the nature conservation rangers and local moth enthusiast Kathleen Black for an after dark wildlife experience on National Moth Night. We will be recording and identifying moths for the very first time since the mansion gardens were restored and taking a springtime bat walk around the grounds. Families welcome. Minimum age 7yrs. Booking essential. 020 8708 8100 or valentines@redbridge.gov.uk

 

Tuesday 18 May

Urban conservation management

11am to 3pm 

Meet at: Valentines Park, gate on Brisbane Road.

There will be plenty of tasks which you can try your hand at and help many creatures in the park. The rangers and park keeper will be able to spot signs of wildlife along the way.

 

Tuesday 18 May

Who takes care of my park?

10am to 11am

Meet at: South Park, entrance at South Park Crescent and South Park Road near the toilet block

Join Pat Murphy, your local park keeper, for a walk around the park and to find out about the work he is doing to keep it looking clean and tidy.

 

Friday 21 May

Valentines Gardens Tour

11am to 12noon

Meet at: Valentines Mansion Grounds, Gardener’s Café.

Join our gardener and park keepers for a gentle stroll around the beautiful grounds of Valentines Park. You will gain an insight into the history, maintenance and daily life of the park.

 

Saturday 22 May

Wildflower Walk

10am to 12noon

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park.

Come and join local expert, Brian Ecott, and the rangers for a walk along the river Roding to discover and learn about the array of beautiful wild flowers.

 

Sunday 23 May

Springtime Wild Food and Forager Course

10am to 4pm

Meet at: Hainault Lodge Local Nature Reserve

London Wildlife Trust's bushcraft instructor, Enric Cucarella, will run this one day course. A morning's foraging and learning how to identify seasonal hedgerow ingredients will be followed by learning how to prepare lunch using ancient and modern campfire cookery techniques. No previous experience is necessary, but plenty of enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in are essential! £30 per person. £20 for 14yrs to 18yrs. Booking essential.

 

Thursday 27 May

Wildlife gardening

10am to 1pm

Meet at: Chadwell Millennium Green, gate on Percival Road.

We need your help to manage this tranquil green space for the benefit of local people and wildlife. We’ll be using our green fingers to promote growth and managing the hedgerows.

 

Friday 28 May

Get to Know Your Local Park

10am to 11am

Meet at: main entrance on junction of Aberdour Road and Abbotsford Road, Goodmayes Park

Join local park keeper, Paul Hudson, for a guided walk around the park. You’ll get an insight into the history, maintenance and daily life of the park.

 

Wednesday 2 June

Meet the Animals

2 x one hr sessions; 10.30 to 11.30am and 12noon to 1pm

Meet at: Valentines Mansion Gardens

Come and join Valentines park staff show off some of their exotic collection of animals. You’ll be able to get up close and personnel with different creatures such as insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We’ll be learning about how different animals are adapted to different environments. Booking essential.

 

Monday 7 June

Get to Know Your Local Park

11am to 12noon

Meet at: Seven Kings Park, main entrance on Aldborough Road South, opposite Suffolk Road

Join local park keeper, Martin Plumb, for a guided walk around the park. You’ll get an insight into the history, maintenance and daily life of the park.

 

Tuesday 8 June

Minibeast Loggery creation

10.30am to 2.30pm

Meet at: Fairlop Waters Club house

Join the rangers to help build a new habitat for different creatures in the Borough’s largest green space. We’ll be creating a loggery that will provide minibeasts with dead and decaying wood to feed and live in.

 

Sunday 13 June

Medicinal Herbs Walk

11am to 1pm 

Meet at: Forest Farm Community Garden, entrance at end of Hazelbrouck Gardens, by portacabin

Guided by professional medicinal herbalist Debbie Syrett, we will be exploring the community garden looking for common and not so common plants, which can be used for their natural healing properties. Be amazed at what everyday plants can be used for. Unsuitable for pushchairs.

 

Monday 14 June

Explore Elmhurst Gardens

10am to 11am

Meet at: Elmhurst Gardens, gate on Gordon Road

Join Bill Frost for a gentle stroll about this lovely little open space. You will gain an insight into the history, management and daily life of the park.

 

Monday 14 June

Dragonflies and Damselflies - What are they?

6.45pm registration; 7pm to 9 pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park.

Join Roy Woodward, local enthusiast who has been studying dragonflies and damselflies for 12 years.  He will be talking about these magnificent creatures, in particular, their life cycle, behaviour and how to identify them. Booking essential. Everyone welcome from 12+ years.

 

Tuesday 15 June

Who takes care of my park?

10am to 11am

Meet at: South Park, entrance at South Park Crescent and South Park Road near the toilet block

Join Pat Murphy, your local park keeper, for a walk around the park and to find out about the work he is doing to keep it looking clean and tidy.

 

Tuesday 15 June

Volunteer in Valentines

11am to 3pm

Meet at: Valentines Park, gate on Brisbane Road

Join the rangers and local community members to help wildlife in this Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. We’ll be creating a new valuable reedbed habitat - in the wetland habitat and getting plenty of fresh air.

 

Friday 18 June

Gardeners tour

11am to 12noon

Meet at: Valentines Mansion Grounds, Gardener’s Café.

Join our gardener and park keepers for a gentle stroll around the beautiful grounds of Valentines Park. You will gain an insight into the history, maintenance and daily life of the park.

 

Saturday 19 June

Looking for Dragonflies and Damselflies

10am to 12.30pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

Fossil records show they were flying some 300 million years ago.  Come and join Roy Woodward for a walk along the River Roding to have a closer look at these amazing creatures during dragonfly Week. Booking essential.  Everyone welcome from 8+ yrs.

 

Sunday 20 June

Summer Solstice Walk and Picnic

6pm – 8pm

Meet at: Claybury Woods, gate on Tomswood Hill, opposite Wannock Gardens

Join the rangers for a gentle evening walk around the woods and parkland to celebrate one of the longest days of the year. We’ll finish the walk with a picnic by the lake. Please bring your own picnic.

 

Tuesday 22 June

Conservation volunteer work day

10am to 3pm

Meet at: Claybury Woods, entrance on corner of Ravensbourne Gardens and Wedmore Avenue

Come and lend a hand doing some practical conservation work the ancient woodland and one of the borough’s most beautiful open spaces. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm! As usual all tools will be provided, as well as plenty of tea and biscuits!

 

Friday 25 June

Get to Know Your Local Park

Meet at: Goodmayes Park, entrance on junction of Aberdour Road and Abbotsford Road

10am to 11am

Join local park keeper, Paul Hudson, for a guided walk around the park. You’ll get an insight into the history, maintenance and daily life of the park.

 

Tuesday 29 June

Volunteer work day

10am to 2pm

Meet at: Claybury Woods, entrance on corner of Ravensbourne Gardens and Wedmore Avenue

Come and lend a hand doing some practical conservation work in one of the borough’s most beautiful open spaces. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm! As usual all tools will be provided, as well as plenty of tea and biscuits!

 

Monday 5 July

Get to Know Your Local Park

11am to 12noon

Meet at: Seven Kings Park, main entrance on Aldborough Road South, opposite Suffolk Road

Join local park keeper, Martin Plumb, for a guided walk around the park. You’ll get an insight into the history, maintenance and daily life of the park.

 

Tuesday 6 July

Thistle management

1pm – 4pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

We’ll be continuing on from our previous hard work to manage this area in Roding Valley Park for its lovely wildflower meadow.  The rangers will give you an insight into this new wetland and meadowland creation and you may get the chance to spot some riverine wildlife while you are working.

 

Saturday 10 July

Tarzy Wood fun day

11am to 5pm

Meet at: Tarzy Wood, war memorial green, Wanstead High Street

Come along to a community fun day where there will be music, food, stalls and swings for children.  Meet by the War memorial, Wanstead High Street. Enquiries tel: 0208 508 0028.

 

Monday 12 July

Walk with the park keeper

10am to 11am

Meet at: Elmhurst Gardens, entrance on Gordon Road

Join Bill Frost for a gentle stroll about this lovely little open space. You will gain an insight into the history, management and daily life of the park.

 

Tuesday 13 July

Wild Arts n’ Crafts

1pm to 3pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

Join the rangers for a fun afternoon of arts and crafts. We’ll start with a scavenger hunt around the park to collect natural materials. We’ll then go back to the centre and get creative. Children will have the opportunity to leave their artwork to be displayed in the centre. Suitable for 4yrs+.

 

Thursday 15 July

Wildlife Gardening

10am to 1pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

We’ll be working in the area outside the new James Leal Centre, an environmentally friendly building. We’ll be making some homes for wildlife and providing some shelter and food sources for others.

 

Friday 16 July

Meet the park gardener

11am to 12noon

Meet at: Valentines Mansion Grounds, Gardener’s Café.

Join our gardener and park keepers for a gentle stroll around the beautiful grounds of Valentines Park. You will gain an insight into the history, maintenance and daily life of the park.

 

Sunday 18 July

Summer River Walk

11am to 1pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

We’ll be taking a stroll along the River Roding in the Roding Valley Park.  The rangers will be able to give you an insight into the wildlife that lives along this green corridor and we’ll end up back at the James Leal Centre in time for a cup of tea or ice cream!

 

Tuesday 20 July

Who takes care of my park?

10am to 11am

Meet at: South Park, entrance at South Park Crescent and South Park Road near the toilet block

Join Pat Murphy, your local park keeper, for a walk around the park and to find out about the work he is doing to keep it looking clean and tidy.

 

Tuesday 20 July

Woodland management

10am to 2pm

Meet at: Claybury Woods, entrance on corner of Ravensbourne Gardens and Wedmore Avenue

Come and lend a hand doing some practical conservation work in one of the borough’s most beautiful open spaces. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm! As usual all tools will be provided, as well as plenty of tea and biscuits!

 

Friday 23 July

Get to know your local park

10am to 11am

Meet at: Goodmayes Park, entrance on junction of Aberdour Road and Abbotsford Road

Join local park keeper, Paul Hudson, for a guided walk around the park. You’ll get an insight into the history, maintenance and daily life of the park.

 

Tuesday 27 July

Biodiversity Blitz

2pm to 4pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

Join the nature conservation rangers to do a wildlife audit of the park. We'll be looking for all sorts of creatures and then helping to identify them. Suitable for 5yrs+. Booking essential.

 

Wednesday 28 July

Summer buds club: Feed the birds

2pm to 4pm

Meet at: Valentines Park

Come and join the rangers for some fun in feeding the ducks and other birds in the park. We’ll be learning which foods are best to feed the waterfowl and why bread is bad! Bird food will be provided. Booking essential. Suitable for 5yrs+. £2.50 per child.

 

Saturday 31 July

Introduction to Bushcraft

10am to 4pm

Meet at: Hainault Lodge Local Nature Reserve

London Wildlife Trust's bushcraft instructor, Enric Cucarella, will run this one day course. It is a resourceful introduction to bushcraft and wilderness skills. No previous experience is necessary, but plenty of enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in are essential! Some refreshments will be provided but please bring your own packed lunch. Booking essential. £30 per person, £20 for 14yrs to 18yrs.

 

Sunday 1 August

Wildlife photography

10am to 4pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

After last year’s success we are holding another Wildlife Photography workshop.  Are you often disappointed with your picture or maybe you just want to learn some basics about wildlife photography – then this could be the workshop for you. Daniel Bridge, semi-professional nature photographer, will guide you through the basics from composition to technique. Please bring your own camera and packed lunch. Booking essential. Cost £25.

 

Monday 2 August

Get to Know Your Local Park

11am to 12noon

Meet at: Seven Kings Park, entrance on Aldborough Road South, opposite Suffolk Road

Join local park keeper, Martin Plumb, for a guided walk around the park. You’ll get an insight into the history, maintenance and daily life of the park.

 

Tuesday 3 August

Woodland Management

10am to 1pm

Meet at: Hurstleigh Gardens, corner of Hurstleigh Gardens and Fullwell Avenue

Come and join the rangers in helping to manage this beautiful patch of woodland. We’ll focus on clearing the woodland path and collecting litter.

 

Tuesday 3 August

Biodiversity Family Cycle

11am to 3pm

Meet at: Wanstead Park, Warren Road car park

A nice leisurely cycle for all the family, taking in some of Redbridge's green cycleways from Wanstead Park to the new James Leal Centre, Ray Park for lunch or picnic. A Nature Conservation Ranger will be your guide, supported by the Redbridge Local Cycling Campaign and an Epping Forest Keeper in Wanstead Park. All children need to be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for solo riders is 8 yrs.

 

Wednesday 4 August

Summer Buds: Meet the animals

2pm to 4pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

Come and meet some of the animals that live at the centre, including European green toads and hissing cockroaches! The rangers will give a talk on each animal and well-behaved children may even get the chance to hold and draw some! Suitable for 5 yrs+. Booking essential. £2.50 per child.

 

Thursday 5 August

Owl Pellet Analysis

1.30pm  to 3pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

Come and join the rangers and learn about these magnificent birds of prey. We’ll be getting into the lab to dissect and learn about what owls eat.  Booking essential. Suitable for 8yrs+.

 

Saturday 7 August

What's living inside that plant?

10am to 12.30pm

Meet at: Claybury Park

When you take a walk through the park and woods with Brian Ecott, local naturalist, you will never look at a tree or other plant in the same light again.  He will show you examples of what insects and mites can do to plants when they live inside them. Booking essential.

 

Monday 9 August

Explore Elmhurst

10am to 11am

Meet at: Elmhurst Gardens, gate on Gordon Road

Join Bill Frost for a gentle stroll about this lovely little open space. You will gain an insight into the management and ins and outs of the park.

 

Tuesday 10 August

Tales of Claybury Woods

2pm to 3.30pm

Meet at: Claybury Woods, gate on Tomswood Hill, opposite Wannock Gardens

Come and wander through the woods, stopping to hear stories along the way. Suitable for 5 yrs+.

 

Wednesday 11 August

Summer buds: Nature Detectives

2pm to 4pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

Become a nature ranger and learn how to look for signs of wildlife. We’ll be looking at all different kinds of plants and getting the magnifying glasses out to look for minibeasts!  Booking essential. Suitable for 5yrs+. £2.50 per child.

 

Tuesday 17 August

Who takes care of my park?

10am to 11am

Meet at: South Park, entrance at South Park Crescent and South Park Road near the toilet block

Join Pat Murphy, your local park keeper, for a walk around the park and to find out about the work he is doing to keep it looking clean and tidy.

 

Tuesday 17 August

Build a bird box

11am to 1pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

Come and try your hand at building a bird box. You can either take your finished product home to your garden or leave it to be put up in the park. £3 per person. Booking essential.

 

Wednesday 18 August

Summer buds: Wildlife Fun n’ Games

2pm to 4pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

Come and join the rangers for an afternoon of wildlife themed fun and games at Ray Park. Please wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. Booking essential. Suitable for 5 yrs+. £2.50 per child.

 

Friday 20 August

Meet the park gardener

11am to 12noon

Meet at: Valentines Mansion Grounds, Gardener’s Café

Join our gardener and park keepers for a gentle stroll around the beautiful grounds of Valentines Park. You will gain an insight into the history, maintenance and daily life of the park.

 

Saturday 21 August

Guided walk

10am to 11.30am

Meet at: Hainault Lodge Local Nature Reserve, main entrance to the reserve on Forest Road, opposite the cemetery

Come and join the ranger for a guided walk around Redbridge’s only local nature reserve. Not suitable for pushchairs. Please telephone for parking information.

 

Tuesday 24 August

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

11am to 12.30pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

Teddy has been on a journey through the park. Come and follow the clues he’s left behind. Once you’ve found him, you can join him for a picnic and some stories about all the animals that live in the park. Please bring your own picnic.

 

Wednesday 25 August

Summer buds: Arty, Crafty Creatures

2pm to 4pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

We’ll be collecting natural objects from around the park and bringing them back to create some wonderful nature-inspired collages and creatures. Booking essential. Suitable for 5yrs+. £2.50 per child.

 

Thursday 26 August

Wetland management

10.30am to 2.30pm

Meet at: Fairlop Waters, sailing centre car park

We’ll be clearing overgrown willow from around the banks of some of the wetland areas in the Country Park. The will improve water quality and provide enhanced habitats for many amphibians found around the area.

 

Friday 27 August

Get to Know Your Local Park

10am to 11am

Meet at: Goodmayes Park, entrance on junction of Aberdour Road and Abbotsford Road

Join local park keeper, Paul Hudson, for a guided walk around the park. You’ll get an insight into the history, maintenance and daily life of the park.

 

Tuesday 31 August

Meet the Animals

2 x one hr sessions; 1.30pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 4pm

Meet at: Valentines Mansion Gardens

Come and join Valentines park staff show off some of their exotic collection of animals. You’ll be able to get up close and personnel with different creatures such as insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We’ll be learning about how different animals are adapted to different environments. Booking essential. 5 yrs+.

 

Wednesday 1 September

Summer buds: Creative Recycling

2pm to 4pm

Meet at: James Leal Centre, Ray Park

Join us for an afternoon of arts n’ crafts using recyclable materials.  Try your hand at making a paper potter, decorating a plant pot or even making your own jewellery. Suitable for 5 yrs+. Booking essential. £2.50 per child.

 

Thursday 2 September

Wilderness management

10am to 1pm

Meet at: Valentines Park, Gardener’s Café.

It’s that time of year again! The wilderness area in Valentines Park needs cutting back so we’ll be using traditional meadow management techniques to cut and collect the vegetation we remove.

 

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HAINAULT FOREST COUNTRY PARK 2010

We are proud to have been awarded Green Flag status 2009/10 for providing excellent facilities and services for  visitors. 

Our Green Flag is proudly flying from the new Café with an indoor seating area where you can purchase a selection of meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks and ice creams. Seasonal opening times: 9.00am to 5.00pm(Summer) April to September  9.00 am to 4.00pm (Winter) October to March.

Our three play areas are proving to be popular, two for younger children located on Foxburrows Farm, Play Towers and Adventure Play Trail. Tree Trail located at the rear of lake is suitable for teenagers.  

We have introduced a charge for all Farm tours and guided walks, come prepared to walk approx. 3 miles at a leisurely pace.  Refunds will only be granted if the Event is cancelled for unforeseen circumstances.

Foxburrows Farm will be closed for 1 hour during guided Farm Tours. Please arrive on time as latecomers who miss Health and Safety induction will not be permitted access.  A responsible adult must accompany children at all times.

Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for all walks and activities.

Booking is essential for Redbridge events and activities please telephone Country Park Office on 0208 500 7353 to reserve your place or contact Woodland Trust directly on 08452 935 798  email elliedickson@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Please note wheelchair and pushchair access may not be possible in certain areas during wetter months.

FARMERS MARKETS are coming to Hainault Forest soon on Saturdays between 11.00am and 3.00pm. An ideal opportunity to buy top quality local seasonal food and novelty items.           

● COMMUNITY WILDLIFE GARDENING VOLUNTEER days will run throughout the year, come and assist with a selection of tasks. All tools and materials will be provided all you have to bring is energy, enthusiasm and a packed lunch. Please telephone Country Park office for dates.

 

Sunday 28 February

Get a Taste for Volunteering

Come along and try some different activities and find out how you can get involved. No experience necessary. Free - refreshments provided. For more information email elliedickson@woodlandtrust.org.uk

 

Saturday 20 March

Spring Equinox Woodland Ramble

11.00am to 1.00pm

£2.00 per person

Come and ramble around the forest to mark Equinox, when night and day are the same length. Discover Spring is in the air, you will be shown all things of interest and woodland wildlife that can be found this time of the year.

 

Sunday 21 March

Ancient Tree Hunters wanted!!

Free

Find out why Hainault's big old, old trees are so important and join the thousands of people already helping to find and measure the fattest trees in the land. Book your place on 08452 935 798 or email elliedickson@woodlandtrust.org.uk    

 

Sunday 28 March

Bushcraft Challenge

Free activity

 

Lost in the woods ? an introduction to bushcraft  and useful techniques and tips on finding your way out again !. A great way to get to know Hainault Forest in detail.

a.m. Family event for beginners

p.m. Bush craft skills for those who have spent a bit more time in the woods.

 

Limited space available – booking essential, email elliedickson@woodlandtrust.org.uk

 

Easter Monday 5 April

Family Scavenger Hunt

A fun challenge for all the family – come and test your detective skills and see what you can find in the woods ! book places on 08452 935 798 or email elliedickson@woodlandtrust.org.uk       

 

 

Wednesday 7 April

Easter Foxburrows Farm/Zoo Guided Tour

10.30 a.m approx. I hour

Booking essential £2.00per person

 

Come and assist our Countryside Wardens with the animal’s morning feed. Find out more information and interact with the residents of Foxburrows. 

 

Wednesday 14  April

Easter Make & Fly your kite

11.00am to 2.00pm

Suitable for children 5 years and over

 £3.00 per child (All materials provided) booking essential

 

Design and make your own kite then go out and learn flying techniques provided by members of Essex Kite Club group volunteers.

Advance booking in advance is essential, telephone Country Park Office to reserve your place.  

 

 

Sunday 18 April

Woofs & Wellies

 

Sponsored dog walk for the whole family to enjoy. This 2 mile walk in the forest is a fun way for you and your pet to support Saint Francis Hospice. To find out more please call the fundraising office on 01708 723593 or see www.sfh.org.uk

 

Saturday 24 April

Bluebell & Blossom Walk

11.00am to 1.00pm

£2.00 per person

Spring has sprung, come and see all the attractive wild flora and fauna that can be found in Hainault Forest at this time of year.

 

 

Sunday 25 April

Photography Workshops 

Free  

 

a.m. Family fun photography workshop. Limited numbers

p.m. Workshop for adults

Limited places available – booking essential, email elliedickson@woodlandtrust.org.uk

 

 

Monday 31 May 

Family toy making workshop

Free

Bring the family along to this Bank holiday fun session. Booking essential email elliedickson@woodlandtrust.org.uk

 

Thursday 3 June

Half term Foxburrows Farm/Zoo guided Tour

10.30am approx 1 hour

£2.00 per person booking essential

Come and assist our wardens with the morning feed.    

 

Saturday 5 June

Bushcraft Shelter Challenge

Free

Build a shelter, learn to light a fire and stay out overnight after cooking on a campfire (overnight stay is optional). Limited places available email elliedickson@woodlandtrust.org.uk

 

Sunday 6 June

Nature Trail Guided Walk

11.00am to 1.00pm

£2.00 per person booking essential

 

Our attractive and educational Nature Trail Woodhenge centerpiece is now completed after ongoing workshops have been held over the past seven years, attended by members of the local community of all age groups. Come along to admire and enjoy the route.    

 

 Wednesday 28 July

Summer Foxburrows Farm/Zoo guided tour

10.30am approx 1 hour

£2.00 per person booking essential

Join the Wardens to meet with the animals and assist with their morning feed.

 

Wednesday 11 August

Summer Make and Fly your Kite

11.00am to 2.00pm

 

Suitable for children aged 5 years and over

£3.00 per child (All materials provided)

 

Design and make your own kite then go outside and learn flying techniques. Tuition and guidance provided by Essex Kite Group volunteers.

Booking essential telephone country park office on 0208 500 7353 to reserve your place.        

 

Wednesday 18 August

Owl Display and Presentation

2.00pm  2 hours  in Visitor Centre

Booking essential £4.00 per person not suitable for children under 5 years of age

 

Owl expert Phil Eckett of” Owl Wise” will first give a presentation then a flying display with a selection of barn, tawny and Boobook owls together with a couple of European eagle owls. Families will be given the opportunity to meet and stroke the owls. Souvenirs will be available to purchase with all proceeds donated to “Owl  Wise” who rescue injured owls.    

 

Sunday 29 & Monday 30 August

10.30 am to 5.00pm

Craft & Country Show 

£5.00 adults, £4.00 concessions. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult are free. One ticket gives you entry on both days. 

 

Oakleigh Fairs return for two days this year with a popular Bank Holiday attraction that has something to interest all members of your family. A selection of rural craft activities and displays will be available on both days with live stage acts. Specialised children’s shows and attractions. For further information contact Oakleigh Fairs directly on 08001412823 www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

 

  

Saturday 18 September to Sunday 31 October

Autumn Festival at Hainault Forest Country Park

Lots of different activities and crafts are planned during this 6 week period for further information please email elliedickson@woodlandtrust.org.uk

 

Sunday 26 September

Autumnal Equinox Walk

11.00am to 1.00pm

£2.00 per person  

As Autumn begins, come and look at seasonal items of interest. Leaves are still on the trees giving you the opportunity to see beautiful Autumn colours.    

 

Wednesday 29 September  

Bat Hunt 1

7.00pm approx 2 hours

 

Thursday 7 October

Bat Hunt 2 

6.30 pm approx 2 hours

£3.00 per person booking essential

Not suitable for children under 7 years old. 

 

Join the search to identify what species of bats can be found. Come prepared to look and listen, walking approx.3 miles.

Bring a torch with you to find your way back down to entrance point. Vehicles must not be parked within perimeter fencing.

 

Saturday23 October

Fungi Foray

10.30am approx 2 ½ hours

Booking essential £3.00per person

 

Come and join this informative guided walk to search for fungi and identify species found. You can find out which species are safe to eat. Come prepared to walk approx 3 miles at a leisurely pace.

 

Tuesday 26 October

Half Term Foxburrows Farm/zoo guided tour

10.30 am approx 1 hour

£2.00 per person booking essential

Join the Wardens to meet the animals and assist with their morning feed/

 

 

Saturday 11 December 

Adult Christmas Decoration workshop

10.00am to 12.00 mid day

Due to demand workshop will be held in Visitor Centre to increase availability.   

 

£8.00 per person

 

Booking and payment in advance for this activity is essential, telephone Country Park office on 0208 500 7353 to reserve your place. Payment accepted by debit/credit card, telephone first to check availability.

Payments are non refundable.

 

Come and make your own individual design wreath to hang on your door to make your home look festive with foliage grown here in the forest. One circular wire ring with moss and wire will be provided per person. Bring your own individual trimmings to personalise i.e. fruit, nuts, cinnamon sticks, ribbon and baubles.  

       

 

 

Enquiries to

 

linda.herbert@redbridge.gov.uk

 

020 8500 7353

                                                                            

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