Top 5 Wildlife Walks in Essex: Perfect Routes for World Walking Month

In celebration of World Walking Month, the Awesome Wildlife Company has revealed the top five wildlife walks in Essex, according to visitor ratings on TripAdvisor.

Ranging from old forests to calm marshes, these chosen routes highlight the area's abundant biodiversity and encourage both residents and visitors to slip on their shoes and rediscover the great outdoors.

Strolling is praised as among the easiest and best methods to enhance both bodily and psychological health.

Only half an hour each day might aid in lowering stress, boosting heart health, and elevating your energy.

Alex Gill, the founder of Awesome Wildlife Company, stated: "As someone hailing from Essex, it's truly remarkable to see the abundance of natural beauty right at our doorstep, and we aimed to showcase this for National Walking Month."

Strolling outdoors is fantastic for lowering stress and boosting your mental wellbeing. Plus, with a bit of luck, you could catch sight of the remarkable fauna living within these natural sanctuaries and recreational areas.

1. Highwoods Country Park, Colchester (4.6/5)

An accoladed park boasting over 150 acres encompassing meadows, woodlands, and lakes has received recognition through the prestigious Green Flag award.

Famous for its family-oriented paths and various fauna, such as dragonflies, deer, along with numerous bird and butterfly species.

2. Belfairs Woods, Leigh (4.5/5):

One of the best-preserved instances of old-growth forest in southern Essex.

This tranquil location boasts oak and sweet chestnut trees, includes a nature discovery centre, and provides habitat for deer, owls, and numerous woodland bird species.

3. RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford (4.4/5)

Despite being renowned for its structured gardens, Hyde Hall also encompasses zones abundant with indigenous flora that draw in pollinators, birds, and various forms of wildlife.

Hiking paths provide breathtaking vistas of the nearby landscape, perfect for a leisurely walk.

4. Abberton Reservoir, close to Colchester (4.4/5):

One of the most important freshwater wetlands in the UK.

Overseen by the Essex Wildlife Trust, this reservoir draws thousands of migrating birds, featuring swans, geese, ducks, along with more unusual varieties like spoonbills and ospreys.

5. Thorndon Country Park, Brentwood (4.3/5)

A stunning park that merges old woodlands with expansive open spaces.

Clearly labelled hiking paths lead tourists through vibrant bluebell forests, alongside lakes, and across flowery grasslands, offering opportunities to spot fallow deer and various avian creatures.