Thorndon Country Park | Brentwood | Dallaswear
Posted by Callum McCrimmon on 1st Jan 1970
Thorndon Country Park
Address: Brentwood, Warley. CM13 3RZ
Situated just outside of Brentwood this country park is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers alike. Incorporating 500 acres of diverse habitats including woodlands and open parkland Thorndon Country Park has something to offer everyone. For the very young there is the Gruffalo Trail, based on the popular children’s book. Various wood carvings of the characters
from the book can be found hiding in the woods. From personal experience, we were very lucky to see, close- up, shrews on two separate occasions plus an adder asleep in the sun on some brambles. We’ve also seen a wide variety of birdlife that frequent the bird feeders placed just outside the visitor centre. Higher up, if you look up every now and then you may see buzzards circling. Inside the visitor centre the staff regularly update a sightings board which lists where and when different species of animals have been seen across the park.
Thorndon Country Park is in two parts, North and South Thorndon. North Thorndon is where the Gruffalo Trail and visitor centre are to be found. Bluebells and anemones fill the woods in springtime. Childerditch pond is a beautiful spot also within North Thorndon, surrounded by woodland, it attracts many migrant and over-wintering birds. There is a bird hide in which you can watch the birds without disturbing them. Species you may see include siskins, redpolls and bramblings.
The park itself is centuries old and because of this there are some ancient individual trees.
(Credit Elizabeth McCrimmon for the picture)
The park welcomes dogs. Thorndon South even has a dog activity course. Here, dogs can negotiate jumps, ramps, hoops and tunnels. Dogs need to be kept under control either on a lead or by command. There are certain areas where the dog must remain on the lead including the Gruffalo Trail and in parts of the park where animals are grazing. Thorndon South also has amazing views. You can even see as far as the striking vista of Canary Wharf.
Other activities include Horse riding. Routes are marked on the Thondon Country Park Map but you do have to bring your own horse! Coarse fishing is available in Thorndon South at Old Hall Pond. Tickets are £6.00 per rod and £3.00 concessions. You must have a fishing licence. Tickets are purchased from the Rangers that patrol the lake. Annual season tickets are available.
Thorndon Country Park is quite good for disabled visitors. Although it can be muddy in places there is usually a way around the mud with quite a lot of the paths compacted to allow easier access. There are disabled toilets close to the visitor centre in Thorndon North. The visitor centre in Thondon North is very good. There you can buy sandwiches, ice creams and light refreshments. There is also a small shop selling beautiful cards, binoculars and bird tables, feeders etc.
It is advisable to check the park website before visiting to check on restriction imposed by the coronavirus outbreak. At the time of writing, car parks and toilet facilities are open to the public but the visitor centres and cafes are still closed. It is advised that you take along your own hand sanitizers and to adhere to Government recommendations regarding social distancing. Opening times are 8am until dusk but once car parks are full entry will be limited. You are also advised to “download the car parking payment app in advance of your visit to minimise contact”.
