Parndon Wood Nature Reserve, run by ECCO, is officially one of the finest parks in the country. Receiving a sought after Green Flag award, retained in 2018 for the tenth consecutive year. Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country. The Reserve is the first open space in Harlow to be accepted for this status.

Set on the southern outskirts of Harlow, Parndon Wood has been recorded as a woodland for at least 900 years and therefore can be termed as “ancient woodland”. The site was turned into a Local Nature Reserve in 1974 and the reserve was also designated a Special Site for Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its flora and value as an educational resource. The wood is composed of a canopy of oak tree standards with hornbeam trees growing beneath. These have traditionally been coppiced (cut down to the base and allowed to grow up again) every 10-15 years to make use of the timber. This practice is still carried out today, though more to keep a diversity of habitats within the woodland and increase the number of species to be found.

Parndon Wood has visits from schools, which use the woods to support national curriculum studies and for special events. These are held throughout the year, for example to demonstrate woodland crafts, painting and woodcarving weekends, animal education shows. We also offer discussion meetings about local wildlife issues and volunteer conservation work parties.

School visits

Parndon Wood offers a fantastic opportunity for schools to experience the wonders of the great outdoors in a safe environment. With access to our indoor classroom (which can accommodate up to 30 pupils), extensive woodland areas and a number of bird hides, there is a fantastic opportunity to learn about local wildlife here at the reserve.

Our range of activities includes;

• Pond dipping
• Bug hunting
• Nature walks
• Foot print hunt
• Wildlife watching
• Den building
• Natural arts and crafts
• Making bird feeders
• Brass rubbing
• Bark rubbing
• Nature quizzes

Prices start from £4 per head (students) please contact ezra.folan@ecco.org.uk or call 07802237440 to arrange a visit or ask for more information.

Firewood for sale

Parndon Wood Nature Reserve produces many tonnes of premium quality hornbeam firewood. This firewood comes from our sustainably managed and environmentally friendly coppice scheme. It is processed by hand by our wonderful HCV and Green team volunteers and then sold on to help fund the continual maintenance of our SSSI site.

If you would like to purchase fire wood please contact ezra.folan@ecco.org.uk or call 07802237440 Prices range from £5.00 a bag to £150 a tonne. (Subject to availability).

Conservation Centre

Our  conservation centre has a wonderful class room full of woodland specimens, taxidermy and information posters. It is a fantastic way to learn about the local wildlife and the creatures you may find at Parndon Wood. It is wheel chair accessible and we also have full toilet facilities for public use.

Birthday Parties 

We offer a range of birthday packages here at the reserve. You can simply hire our conservation room and put on your own party theme or we can give you access to the reserve and you can enjoy a host of out-door activities.

These include;

• Pond dipping (season dependant)
• Bug hunting
• Den building
• Treasure hunt
• Natural arts and crafts

Come rain or shine, you’ll have everything you need for your activities, but don’t forget your appropriate clothing! Equipment will be provided for activities as part of the birthday packages. Prices start at £109 for the summer months, for more information or to book, call us on 07802237440 or email ezra.folan@ecco.org.uk.