Parndon Wood Nature Reserve
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Parndon Wood Nature Reserve run by ECCO, is officially one of the finest parks in the country, after receiving a sought after Green Flag award, retained in 2015 for the seventh 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 put forward and 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 and 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, though more to keep a diversity of habitats within the woodland and increase the number of species to be found. Parndon Wood has informal visits by schools, which use it to support national curriculum studies and for special events. These are held through the year, for example to demonstrate woodland crafts, painting and woodcarving weekends. We also offer discussion meetings about local wildlife issues and volunteer conservation work parties Admission: Free for general walks, charges apply for organised activities and events. Opening Times: Bank Holiday Mondays 11am to 4pm All other Mondays Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday 11am to 4pm Thursday 4pm to 9pm Friday 11am to 4pm Saturday 9am to 4pm Sunday 11am to 4pm | |||||||||||||||||||||