Stoke by Nayland playground is a local play area with playing fields and a good playground, with some boot themed play equipment. The grassy playground is enclosed. There is a mix of metal and wooden equipment. There are climbing frames and bridges, slides, swings, balancing equipment. There is also a skate ramp. 📍Address Stoke by Nayland Playground School Street Stoke by Nayland Essex CO6 4QY 🅿️ Parking Free car parking Facilities ☕ Cafe - NO ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop - NO 🚻 Toilets - NO ♿ Accessible - YES - accessible parking 🪑 Picnic Tables - YES 🏃‍♀️ Playground - YES - climbing frame with tunnel, balance poles, swings, slide 🐶 Dog Friendly - YES

New Year Nature and Heritage Walk Hainault Forest Country Park, Chigwell, IG7 4QN 9th January Join the Education Ranger for a New Year walk around Hainault Forest. See what nature the New Year brings and learn all about the Heritage of the forest. This walk will be approximately 2km in length along the footpaths of the forest. Free, booking required Community Tree Planting 14th January Roding Valley Park Work in partnership with Trees for Cities and plant trees along the River Roding. Times and meeting points will be confirmed in the New Year, keep an eye on the Trees for Cities website for more detail Family Forest School Thameside, SS17 0RN 21st January If you have always wanted to lie in a hammock, whittle your own stick for roasting marshmallows, strike a fire lighter, build a den or read a story in the cosy scandinavian yurt then a Family Forest Fun Day is just for you! £7 per child Big Garden Birdwatch at Flatford Wildlife Garden Flatford Rd, East Bergholt, Colchester CO7 6UL 28th/29th January Make a bird feeder during the Big Garden Birdwatch weekend to feed the hungry birds in your garden. Whilst you explore the garden complete our bird themed family trail. The family trail and bird feeder making costs £2. Wilderness Wanderers Hainault Forest Country Park, Chigwell, IG7 4QN 29th January Join us to learn a new skill in making forest themed arts and crafts! Suitable for children 5 to 11 years old. £5 per child RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Fairlop Waters Country Park, Ilford, IG6 3HN 29th January In celebration of the annual Big Garden Birdwatch the Nature Conservation Team are running a family friendly birdwalk. This walk is open to all ages and abilities, whether you're a complete beginner or a birding expert! Snowdrop Sundays Daws Hall, CO8 5EX 29th January See the incredible carpet of snowdrops and explore the 25 acres of riverside nature reserve and 3 acres of private garden. Entry by donation (No booking required)

Pumpkin Trail Markshall Estate, CO6 1TG 22nd - 30th October The Pumpkin Trail is back! Adventure through the Arboretum, venturing past the Screaming Oak and witches hat tree in your quest to find the 30 wooden pumpkins. Grab your walking shoes, put on your favourite Halloween outfit, and discover trees from across the world, natural play areas and autumn colour at its best. All whilst searching for the 30 carefully painted pumpkins which have been hidden this spooky season. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your own munchkin pumpkin prize. Standard admission applies. Big Wild Halloween Flatford Wildlife Garden, CO7 6UL 22nd - 30th October Do you dare to feel inside the boxes to see what is hidden inside? What is that smell hidden in our smelly bags? Pick up your Big Wild Halloween activity pack and senses trail from the visitor centre for £3.50. Complete with a trail sheet, nature activity booklet, recipe card, character mask and certificate. Spooky Storytime: Room on the Broom Thameside Nature Park, SS17 0RN 24th October Join us for a cozy story in the wood reading Room on the Broom. Bring a cuddly teddy and a campfire snack to help you enjoy the book and then take part in some fun Halloween themed activities. Suitable for ages 18 months to 5 years. £5 per child Woodland Magic Thameside Nature Park, SS17 0RN 24th October Come and search the woods for signs of fairies, elves, and gnomes. Create some of your own magic by making a wand, a smelly potion, and your own magical creature dwelling! Recommended for ages 4 and up. £7 per child Pongy Potions and Smelly Spells Langdon Nature Discovery Park, SS16 6EJ 24th October Create a woodland wand, search for spooky spell ingredients and weird and wonderful wildlife. Ages 3+. Spooktacular Fun Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park, CO5 7DN 24th October Carve a pumpkin. Get creative and use peelers to whittle a magical wand. Don’t forget to decorate it and make it extra special. Prepare your noses for some smelly potions. Mix and grind our herbs to concoct a magic potion of your very own. Drop in. £10 per child. Minibeast Sessions Hyde Hall, CM3 8ET 24th October Whether it's snakes, giant snails, tarantulas or cockroaches, this is an amazing opportunity to get up close and hands-on with some of these beautiful animals. Suitable for children over 5. Sessions 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3pm (45 minutes each). Tickets are £5 per child. Normal garden admission charges also apply. Creepy Creatures Abberton Reservoir, CO2 0EU 25th October We will look for bugs on the land and in the pond! We will then have a go at making some creepy creatures of our own using sticks, leaves and clay. We will even try our hand at weaving a spiders web. £7 per child Spooky Science Thameside Nature Park, SS17 0RN 25th October Join us for a morning of mad experiments, making some slime to take home. £10 per child Wicked Woodland Belfairs Woodland Centre, SS9 4LR 25th October Explore the spooky and the spectacular in this new holiday session. Ages 8-12 years old. £7 per child. Messy Magic The Naze, CO14 8LE 25th October Use the tools we provide to whittle your own wooden wand. Explore our potion creation station, see your potion bubble, fizz or maybe even change colour! Get active outdoors and take on the challenge of helping our wizard find the missing spell on our wizard's trail. £7 per child Storytelling Adventures Hyde Hall, Chelmsford, CM3 8ET 25th October Set out on an interactive storytelling adventure around the garden with extraordinary storyteller Mike Dodsworth. Sessions 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm. Free, garden admission applies Spooky Animal Encounter Belfairs Woodland Centre, SS9 4LR 26th October We will be joined by a variety of animals to find out a bit more about them and how they are adapted to their environments, lifestyles and habitats. Book at the Centre or call 01702 477467. £9 per person. Spooky Science Belfairs Woodland Centre, SS9 4LR 26th October Discover skeletons, spooky spider webs and more! Make a witch’s cauldron complete with potion and launch some batty bats. £7 per child Pumpkin Carving Ingrebourne Visitor Centre, RM12 6TS 26th and 27th October Our staff and volunteers are on hand to help kids and grown-ups carve a spooky face into a pumpkin to decorate your home this Halloween. £7 per child. Halloween at Hainault Country Park Hainault Country Park, IG7 4QN 27th October Frightful fun at Hainault Forest with Deadly Drumming, Magical Mask Making and Whittling Wands – you’ll be horrified to miss out! £2.50 per person Pumpkin Decorating Hyde Hall, CM3 8ET 27th - 28th October One pumpkin is provided per child, along with all the accessories and craft pieces needed to transform your pumpkin into a fun woodland creature. Suitable for children ages 5 to 10 years. Sessions 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 1.15pm and 1.45pm (30 minutes each). Tickets are £2.50 per child. Normal garden admission charges also apply. Guided Tour for Families: Rowdy Romans, Naughty Normans, Victorious Victorians Type:Guided Walk 28th October, 2pm Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Castle Park, CO1 1UG A family-friendly tour of Colchester's gruesome bits returns, just in time for Halloween! Join guide, "Aggie, the jailer's wife" on an entertaining walk through Colchester's colourful history, with the gory and revolting bits left in! The tour is designed especially for children, but adults are sure to have great time too. Children 5 to 15 years £3.50, Adults: £6. To book: phone 01206:282920, or email vic@colcehster to reserve a place. What's That Bat Daws Hall Nature Reserve, CO8 5EX 28th October A gentle walk around our stunning nature reserve, as the sun sets. On the walk we will watch as the dark shadows of our resident bats swoop between the trees and along the water's edge to catch their evening insect-meal. Meanwhile with the use of ultrasound scanners, we will convert their clicks and calls to work out which species they are. Children £5, Adults £10. Witch's Workshop Thorndon, CM13 3RZ 28th October Go for a woodland walk to collect potion ingredients, try your hand at some potion making, and create your own magic wand for casting some wicked spells this half term. £7 per child Halloween at Parndon Wood Parndon Wood Nature Reserve, CM19 4SF 29th October, 5.30pm - 8.30pm Take a walk around the main trail and find all the spooky stops! Have your fortune read in the scary hide. Spooky games station run by fun filled games. Crafts room run by Twinkle & Snug (additional cost). Hot dogs & cafe open throughout the evening. £4 per person. Under 1's go free. Not-so-scary Spooky Stories Markshall Estate, CO6 1TG 29th October, 3.15pm - 5pm Join spooky storyteller Shane Ibbs for a lantern lit stroll to The Wild Wood and hear tales of things that go bump in the night! Creep past The Screaming Oak and watch out for The Witch’s Hat tree as you’re taken back to a time when ghosts, ghouls and fairie folk called Markshall Estate home. Listen to stories of woodland nymphs and wicked witches, before gathering round the firepit for seasonal snacks. Enjoy a hot spiced apple juice to warm up those spooky shivers. Standard admission applies. Dark and Twisted Tales Markshall Estate, CO6 1TG 29th October, 6pm - 7.30pm Join spooky storyteller Shane Ibbs as he takes you on a journey of dark and twisted tales. Hear stories of frightening goings on, rumours of murder, and even a touch of the supernatural as you walk the Arboretum at night. Help steady your nerves with a toasty hot toddy of spiced cider or warmed apple juice, snacks around the fire await if you survive until the very end! Halloween Crafts Belfairs Woodland Centre, SS9 4LR 29th October Join us to try some spooky Halloween crafts. Fancy dress is encouraged! Drop in. Donations.

Spooky Bat Hunt Belhus Woods, RM15 4XJ Great Notley Country Park, CM77 7FS Weald Country Park, CM14 5QS Purchase your trail guide from the Visitor Centre (cash and card accepted) or from the spooky shack van (cash only) for just £2. Follow the directions and keep your eyes peeled for the trail markers along the way. Booklet includes map, guided trail and some extra bat-related activities and facts. Spooky Sightings Trail Thorndon, CM13 3RZ 23rd - 30th October Follow the trail map around the woods and see if you can spot the hidden nocturnal creatures. Collect all the clues to break the code, and return to the visitor centre for a pin badge prize! Trail sheets available from the Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre. Drop in £2 per child. Fingringhoe Wick Trail Fingringhoe Wick, CO5 7DN 24th - 28th October Daily drop in event throughout Half-term. Find out some spooky facts about nocturnal animals as you follow the self-guided trail round. Drop in £3 per child Pumpkin Trail Belfairs Woods, SS9 4LR Take a walk through the beautiful autumn woods of Belfairs Park with our self-led trail from Belfairs Woodland Centre and discover all the pumpkin clues! Drop in £2 per child. Small prize on completion. Creepy Nature Trail The Naze, CO14 8LE 24th, 26th, 27th 28th October Follow the trail map around the Naze and see if you can spot the hidden creepy creatures. Collect all the clues to break the code. Trail sheets available from the Naze Nature Discovery Centre. Drop in £3 per child Messy Magic The Naze, CO14 8LE 25th October Use the tools we provide to whittle your own wooden wand. Explore our potion creation station, see your potion bubble, fizz or maybe even change colour! Get active outdoors and take on the challenge of helping our wizard find the missing spell on the wizard's trail. £7 per child Family Fungi Walk Belfairs Woods, SS9 4LR 25th October A walk in the woods to look for our fantastic fungi! See how they grow, learn about them and why they are so important in our woodland! Take home your newfound knowledge and explore our woodlands throughout the autumn months. All are welcome, single adults, families, and children with accompanying adults, we will be walking approximately 3 miles therefore recommended age 7+. £5 per person. Booking essiential Pumpkin Trail Markshall Estate, CO6 1TG 22nd - 30th October Adventure through the Arboretum, venturing past the Screaming Oak and witches hat tree in your quest to find the 30 wooden pumpkins. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your own munchkin pumpkin prize. Standard admission applies. Deadliest Plants and Bugs Trail RHS Hyde Hall, CM 22nd - 30th Ocotber Follow our deadliest plants and bugs trail around the garden and discover more about the creepy-crawlies and super-smart plants that fight back. Standard admission applies.

From bonfire night, light trails to Christmas events, November in Essex! Colchester Castle Park Fireworks Castle Park, CO1 1UD 5th November The spectacular annual fireworks display in Colchester's Castle Park returns for once again for 2022. Alongside the impressive fireworks display there will be entertainment, and parading of the guy. Gates open at 5.30pm. Entertainment runs between 5.30-7pm culminating in the Guy Parade and lighting of the bonfire between 7-7.40pm. Tickets - Adults £12, Children 5-15 £6, Children 3-4 £1, Children under 3 free. Bug Hunting Parndon Wood, CM19 4SF 5th November Pop in to the centre, grab yourself a bug hunting kit & identifying sheet and go hunting! Look for spiders, millipedes, centipedes, worms and much more! Harlow Bonfire and Fireworks Harlow Town Park, CM20 2QQ 6th November Harlow Bonfire & Fireworks night. Free entry for all. Event starts at 6pm, fire lighting 6.45pm and fireworks 7pm. Food can be purchased on site from a variety of food stalls. Enlightened Light Trail Hylands Estate, CM2 8FS 24th November to 1st January Enlightened returns to Hylands Estate in Chelmsford this winter for a season of magical illumination for all the family. The grounds of the estate will once again be transformed into an awe-inspiring outdoor trail of discovery filling the beautiful landscape with a series of mesmerising light installations and interactive fun. Stargazing Markshall Estate, CO6 1TG 19th November An evening of stargazing and use astronomical equipment to view the stars, moons, and planets which light up the night sky. Learn about constellations, meteors, and more. NEAS astronomers will present talks throughout the evening and project the night sky onto an observation screen. Adult £7, Child £5 Familiar Fungi for First Timers Daws Hall, CO7 5EX 19th November An introduction to common fungi, how to identify them and where to find them. A walk around our reserve with eyes peeled to spot and identify as many different fungi as we can. £10 Glow Light Trail Hyde Hall, CM3 8RA 22nd November - 30th December Enjoy an unmissable after dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Hyde Hall this festive season. See the garden in breathtaking beauty and follow spectacular displays lighting a brand new route. Members from £7.95. Non-members from £12.95 Christmas Woodland Crafts Thorndon Country Park, CM13 3RA 26th November Visit the woodland workshop where you can use natural materials to craft your own christmas decorations and gifts to take home. £7 per child Christmas Wreath Making Abberton Reservoir, CO2 0EU 26th November Weave your own wreath from willow and decorate it with natural materials we have collected for you! The wreath making will take place outdoors in our shelter. You will have your own area to work in and a vast selection of items available to decorate your wreath with. £25 Christmas Pottery and Story Time Thames Chase, RM14 3NS 27th November Enjoy a magical Christmas story (Sams Snowflake, By Gillian Shields) And get creative with some Christmas pottery painting guided by the team from Pink Parachute at Thames Chase. Suitable for ages 4-8 years. £12

Children's Wreath Making Abberton Reservoir, CO2 0EU 3rd December Weave your own wreath from willow and decorate it with natural materials! The wreath making will take place outdoors in the shelter. This event is for those age 5+. £25 per child Family Fossil Discovery The Naze, CO13 8LE 3rd December Come along to The Naze to discover why the cliffs are so special. Learn about The Naze geology and where to find fossils before heading out on a group fossil hunt. £3 per person Santa Fun Run Colchester Castle Park, CO1 1UD 4th December Join in the fun on Sunday 4th December as we welcome hundreds of Santas for a 3km or 5km funrun around the park. Adults £10 Children £7.50. Christmas Walk Thames Chase, RM14 3NS 4th and 11th December There is much to see during this special seasonal walk, with carols and poems to share as we make our way around the paths. Learn some of the folklore stories associated with the trees and traditions which make them special in our land. Suitable for ages 4 years and over £6 per individual or £20 for a family of 4 Father Christmas at Prittlewell Priory Priory Park, SS2 6ND 10th and 11th December Join us this December to meet Father Christmas in person, along with lots of festive fun in the historic setting of Prittlewell Priory. £15 Festive Sing-a-Long & Christmas Market The Hub, Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP 10th December Pick up locally crafted gifts and treat at the christmas market from 12pm to 4pm. A festive sing-a-long with the Hadleigh Temple Salvation Army Band from 3pm. Winter Animal Discovery Bedfords Park, RM4 1QH 10th December Use clay and other natural materials to create and learn about the animals we see (and don't see) in winter. £7 per child Crafty Elf Workshop Belfairs, SS9 4LF 17th, 18th, 22nd December We're inviting you to our crafty workshop; create Christmas decorations and natural crafts and receive a small gift from Santa himself. £12 per child Carols in the Park Priory Park, SS2 6ND 18th December A community carol concert on the Southend Bandstand. Free Mother Christmas Thameside, SS17 0RN 17th, 18th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd December Your visit will include exclusive group time with Mother Christmas, who will pass on an exciting Christmas gift, craft making, a Christmas Trail and toasting merry marshmallows as well as a complimentary hot drink at the Nature Discovery Centre.£10 per child. Under 2's are free. Woodland Wreath Making Highwoods Country Park 21st December Join us in the woods for a morning of fun, making winter wreaths form natural material found in the woodland. Suitable for age 4+. £5.50 per child Glow Light Trail Hyde Hall, CM3 8RA Until 30th December Enjoy an unmissable after dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Hyde Hall this festive season. See the garden in breathtaking beauty and follow spectacular displays lighting a brand new route. Members from £7.95. Non-members from £12.95 Enlightened Light Trail Hylands Estate Enlightened Light Trail Colchester Castle Park Hylands Estate, CM2 8FS Until 31st December Colchester Castle Park CO1 1UD Until 1st January Magical illumination for all the family. The grounds will be transformed into an awe-inspiring outdoor trail of discovery filling the beautiful landscape with a series of mesmerising light installations and interactive fun.

Family Forest School Thameside Nature Park, SS17 0RN 1st October If you have always wanted to lie in a hammock, whittle your own stick for roasting marshmallows, strike a fire lighter, build a den or hunt for mini beasts then a Thameside Wild Weekend is just for you! £7 per child Running Wild Wild Forest, Brentwood, CM15 0LA 8th October Introducing Running Wild, a fundraising event with a difference! Held at the award-winning Nuclear Races Wild Forest site, you will spend 90 minutes climbing over, crawling through and jumping across some crazy obstacles, before finishing in style with the famous 20-foot Deathslide into a lake! Registration is completely free if you agree to raise a minimum of £100 for Essex Wildlife Trust. Family Forest School Danbury Country Park, Chelmsford, CM3 4AW 8th October Create lasting memories around the campfire, explore the native flora and fauna, swing in a hammock, challenge yourself to the rope ladder or just chill by the stream. Booking is essential. £10 for the first child, £6 for siblings. Adults and under 18 months free if accompanied by a paying child. Apple Day The Walled Gardens Bedfords Park, Romford, RM4 1QL 9th October A day to celebrate our Orchard and Apples. produce for sale, Apple Juice bottled and being juiced. Apple ID from an Apple expert. Craft Stalls and Children's activities. Forest Bathing Belfairs Woodland Centre, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4LR 13th October “Shinrin-Yoku" or forest bathing is the practice of spending time in the forest for better health, happiness and a sense of calm. A slow and sensory walk through the woods using mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises. £15 per person. Call 01702 477467 or drop in to book The Big Nineties Festival Priory Park, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ND 14th October Throw yourself back to times when you had not a care in the world and life was there to just live, with some of the most amazing music ever. Tickets from £35 Oktoberfest Southend Priory Park, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ND 15th October Oktoberfest Colchester 22nd October Lower Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1UW This incredible event will feature; giant Oktoberfest tent, 2 pint Steins of Bier, live Oompah bands, DJs, VIP tables. Tickers from £12.50 Autumn Wreath Making Thames Chase, Upminster, RM14 3NS 16th October A wonderful opportunity to get crafty and you’ll come away from the session with your Autumn wreath made from natural materials to last the season. 1pm - 3pm. Booking essential 01708 642970, £40

Check out these events happening across parks, playgrounds and nature reserves this month. We have something for for adults, children and dog friendly Essex Events too. Wildlife Photography for Beginners Fingringhoe Wick, CO5 7DN 8th September Join expert guide Liz on a walk round the reserve to pick up some photographic top tips and hints. Start with an outdoor short talk and then head out and about on the reserve to see what wildlife you can find to put your new found knowledge to the test! £12 per person. Call 01206 729678 to book Bat Evening Walk Tiptree Heath Nature Reserve , Tiptree, CO5 0PT 9th September Use bat detectors to investigate the types of bat to be seen (and heard) on the heath. A magical evening! £3 per person Prittlewell Priory Tour Priory Park, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ND 10th September Head down through Priory Park, exploring the historic landscape and hear the story of the development of Prittlewell. Visit several historic monuments around the park before heading in to the Prittlewell Priory to explore this incredible 900 year old building. Free, booking required Forest Bathing Belfairs Woodland Centre, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4LR 11th September “Shinrin-Yoku" or forest bathing is the practice of spending time in the forest for better health, happiness and a sense of calm. A slow and sensory walk through the woods using mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises. £15 per person. Call 01702 477467 or drop in to book Cider and Sausage Festival 16th September Lower Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1UW Featuring over 30 amazing different types of Cider flavours including some traditional craft though to more well-known brands. Plus 15 different types of sausage flavours from food suppliers and street food stands. Over 18s only. From £15 per person. Ibiza Orchestra Live Lower Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1UW 17th September After an incredible sell out first year in Colchester the Ibiza Orchestra Live Returns back to Essex with a brand new show - ‘Ibiza Anthems Greatest Hits’. £45 per person Stargazing Markshall Estate, Coggeshall, CO6 1TG 17th September Use astronomical equipment to view the stars, moons, and planets which light up the night sky. Learn about constellations, meteors, and more. NEAS astronomers will present talks throughout the evening and project the night sky onto an observation screen. Adults £7, Child (3 - 16yrs) £5 Outdoor Cinema Promenade Park, Maldon, CM9 5JQ 23rd - 25th September Six great movies for all the family over three days beginning with the brand new movie about the great Elvis Presley on Friday night with Saturday dedicated to families with Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Lightyear and Grease. Sunday is singalong day with The Greatest Showman and Encanto. The Big Nineties Festival Central Park, Chelmsford, CM2 0RW 30th September Throw yourself back to times when you had not a care in the world and life was there to just live, with some of the most amazing music ever. Tickets to be released soon!

Check out these events happening across parks, playgrounds and nature reserves this month. We have something for for adults, children and dog friendly Essex Events too. Wildlife Walk Belhus Woods County Park, South Ockendon, RM15 4XJ Saturday 2nd July, 10.30am - 12.30pm A walk to look for very small, very interesting, minibeasts. Meet at the visitor centre. Free Pond Dipping Rainham Marshes, Purfleet, RM19 1SZ Saturday 2nd July, 10am - 11am and 1pm - 2pm Find some of the most fantastic and ferocious beasts that live beneath the surface. Expert volunteers will be on hand to help show you what to do and identify what you find, and all equipment is provided. £4.50 members, £5.50 non-members Global Village Finale Hadleigh Country Park, Benfleet, SS7 2PP Sunday 3rd July, 11.30am - 4pm Essex Cultural Diversity Project presents a programme of festival events to bring communities together and connect with local green spaces. Performances, interactive workshops and demos, featuring a range of artists including from near and afar Free, drop in Sunset Ibiza Athems Hadleigh Country Park, Benfleet, SS7 2PP Saturday 22nd July, 7pm - 10pm A sunset session of club anthems from the 90s and early 00s. The Hub Cafe will be open plus BBQ. Free entry (car parking applies) Sculpture in the Walled Gardens Markshall Estate, Coggeshall, CO6 1TG From 23rd July, 10am to 6pm 150 sculptures will be making their way to the beautiful landscape of the Walled Garden this summer. 33 sculptors have produced a stunning variety of pieces to suit everyone’s style, garden and budget. The Walled Garden, is the only area in the Arboretum where you cannot take dogs. Entry Adults £8, Children £4.30, under 3s Free. Castle Park Bandstand Concerts Colchester Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1UG Monday 25th July - German Youth Orchestra 30th July -Sid Bolan Big Band 31st July - John Seeley’s Jazz and Saxophone Group 1pm - 3pm You'll discover a great range of local and regional bands performing completely free concerts in Castle Park's beautiful Victorian Bandstand on selected Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer. Bio Blitz Nature Fun Day Thames Chase Forest Centre, Upminster, RM14 3NS Sunday 24th July, 10am-3pm Go on a wild minibeast safari, discover the aquatic creatures living in the river, follow the nature trail, learn all about your discoveries in the ID Zone, plus crafts and much more! Help the experts to count as many wildlife species as we can find! Meet the Moths: 10am River Survey Identification: 11am - 12pm The Big Butterfly Count: 10am - 3pm Children’s Crafts: 10am - 3pm Free, drop in Be sure to check back next month for more great Essex events!

Forest Adventures - We're Going on a Bear Hunt Radical Bikes, Blackmore Road, Highwood, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3QR 29th August, 10am - 12pm Follow the Story Walk, cook your lunch over the campfire and play with all our usual play activities. £8 per child Pixies and Fairies Hanningfield Reservoir, Billericay, CM11 1WT 31st August, 2-4pm Come and search the woods for signs of pixies and fairies, and make your own fairy house to take home for your garden. Recommended for ages 4 - 10. £7 per child Summer Story: The Gruffalo Thameside Nature Discovery Centre, Stanford-Le-Hope, SS17 0RN 31st August, 10 - 11.30am A cozy story in the wood reading everyone’s favourite, The Gruffalo! Bring a cuddly teddy and a snack to help you enjoy the book and then take part in some fun Gruffalo themed activities. Suitable for ages 18 months to 5 years. £5 per child Bat Evening Hanningfield Reservoir, Billericay, CM11 1WT 1st September, 7 - 9.30pm Learn about the wonderful bats at Hanningfield, and watch them fly around the reserve. Booking essential. £8 per person, suitable for adults and older children. Eco Festival Lower Castle Park, Lower Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1UD 3rd September 11am - 6pm Castle Park hosts this popular event celebrating all things ecological and promoting good recycling habits.Alongside the environmental messages are plenty of stalls and entertainment to keep everyone amused and engaged throughout the day.

Outdoor Theatre: Rapunzel Hylands House, Writtle, CM2 8WQ 15th August 1-3pm SOLD OUT, 4-6pm Tickets available A brand-new musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale! This fast-paced, larger-than-life production contains a laugh-out-loud script, heaps of audience interaction, a host of catchy songs and unforgettable characters. Recommended age: 4+ All tickets on the door: £12. Please bring your own chairs or a picnic blanket to sit on. Car parking between the hours of 3pm and 6pm is included in the ticket price. Woodland Magic Hanningfield Reservoir, Billericay, CM11 1WT 16th August, 2-4pm Make wands, create a home for a fairy or gnome, make potions and much more! Recommended for ages 4 and up. £7 per child Outdoor Cinema at Hyde Hall Hyde Hall, CM3 8ET Bohemian Rhapsody - 16th August, 8.15pm Dirty Dancing - 17th August, 8.15pm Adults £17.50 Children £11.50 Summer Holiday Activities at Hadleigh Park Hadleigh Park, Benfleet, SS7 2PP 16th August, 10.30am - 11.30am - Fun Family Fitness 17th August, 10.30am - 12.30pm - Kite Marking 18th August, 10.30am - 12.30pm - Animal Trail and Small Farm Animals Free family events @salarmyhe. Drop in, no booking required Back to the Woods Summer Adventure Daws Hall Nature Reserve, CO8 5EX 17th August 2022, 10:30am - 2:30pm Survival skills style adventure day. Including Backwoods cooking, animal tracking, shelter building and wayfinding and navigating. Children £8, Accompanying adult free Tote Bag Decorating Workshop Thames Chase, RM14 3NS 18th August, 10-11am, 11.30am-12.30pm Decorate a bag you can keep and reuse to store your treasures. All materials will be provided. Suitable for children age 4 - 10 years. £12 per child Smoke and Fire BBQ Festival Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1UG 20th - 21st August Enjoy the Great British BBQ Competition and Steak Cook-Off World-class BBQ and fire Jockeys demonstrating the magic of BBQ. Eat your way around the world with our award-winning street food Exhibitors. Live music throughout the day with rides and entertainment for the kids. Adults £16, Children over 5 £5

Brambly Hedge: Summer Story Abberton Reservoir, CO2 0EU 22nd August, 10.30am - 12.30pm Listen to the Summer Story, a beautiful Brambly Hedge story by Jill Barklem. Afterwards will go for a walk to meet the mice of Brambly Hedge. £7 per child Circurs Workshop Thames Chase, RM14 3NS 22nd August, 10.30am - 12pm Join the Rhythm and Balls Juggling and Circus team at Thames Chase Forest Centre, for a fun, engaging morning session learning circus skills in our Barn. £8 Wind in the Willows Outdoor Theatre Colchester Castle Park CO1 1UG 22nd August, 7pm Award-winning theatre company, Calf2Cow's new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's classic family story is perfect for the modern day audience, big and small. Adults £16. Children £11 Twilight Story - Bats and Moths Fingringhoe Wick, CO5 7DN 23rd August, 7.30 - 9.30pm Who visits Fingringhoe after dark? Join us for a stroll around the nature reserve as we look for nocturnal visitors. We will see who visits the moth trap and use bat detectors to try and hear their echolocation. £7 per person Sunrise Yoga National Trust - Hatfield Forest CM22 6NE 24th August, 7am Start your day with a gentle yoga session accompanied by the sounds of sunrise at Hatfield Forest. £11.50 Minibeast Mayhem Thorndon, CM13 3RZ 24th August, 10am - 12pm Go on an adventure round the woods to look for bugs. Look under logs and shake trees to see who you can find. Make a bug of our own to take home! Suitable for ages 5+ £7 per child Foraging Walk 25th August, 11am - 2pm Caidge Farm Event Space, Southminster, CM0 7BG Take a walk with local forager Andy through some beautiful Essex countryside on a historic farm site. You will be introduced to at least 5 plants, their culinary and medicinal uses. At the end of the walk enjoy a herbal tea and home made cake. Adults £25, Child under 10 Free, Child 10-18 £12.50