Fingringhoe Wick
Fingringhoe Wick near Colchester is Essex Wildlife Trust’s first nature reserve, established in 1961, and later home to its first visitor centre. More than sixty years on, it continues to welcome visitors to this special coastal site. Overlooking the Colne Estuary, the reserve offers a peaceful escape with wide open views and abundant wildlife.
The centre features a café, shop, picnic area, and wildlife walking routes, making it a popular choice for things to do in Colchester, a fun family day out, with plenty of opportunities to explore nature and join outdoor activities in Essex.
Plan your visit
Opening times
Open all year round open 7 days a week.
Opening hours:
10am – 4pm
The above change will take effect from 1 June 2026.
Christmas opening hours:
Christmas Eve 10am – 2pm
Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day
New Year’s Eve 10am – 2pm
Where to find us?
Address:
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park, South Green Road Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO5 7DN
Telephone:
01206 729678
What3words:
///screamed.showering.followers
Directions:
Facilities and access
Car parking and entry
Car parking is available at the Nature Discovery Centre but in order to keep us running, we suggest a donation of £3 per adult, £2 per child and £8 per family. Continuous support of the Trust enables us to do amazing work for wildlife here at Fingringhoe Wick and across the county. Our members are incredibly important to us and make a real difference to wildlife in Essex. You can join Essex Wildlife Trust at Fingringhoe or online.
There is a coach drop-off space, if you are planning on bringing a group, please ensure you have pre-booked your visit.
Cafe
We serve a selection of hot items, sandwiches, wraps, paninis, toasties, soups, delicious handmade cakes, cream teas and toasted teacakes.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available daily.
Shop
The Nature Discovery Centre has a well-stocked shop including binoculars, wildlife books, bird food and feeders, gifts, greetings cards, toys and games, local honey and jams, packaged snacks and ice creams.
Accessibility
Disabled parking. There is a public toilet for disabled visitors which is fully accessible. Some walking trails are wheelchair friendly.
To assist with access onto the reserve you can borrow an all-terrain mobility scooter that will access many far reaches of the reserve that are not limited by step access, a wheelchair or drive to a certain area to take you a little further into the reserve. There are numerous benches around the reserve.
Road access
Please note that the road to reserve is single track, please drive slowly and use passing places.
Visitors with dogs
We have designated dog trail which is approximately 1 mile. Dogs are not permitted in the Nature Discovery Centre or on events.
Nature Trails
The reserve trails lead you through the various habitats woodland, scrub, heathland and past ponds and towards the estuary. Access to the beach is not permitted.
Adders are on the reserve and they are the UKs only venomous snake. please stick to the paths and wear suitable footwear. Please do not touch them, they are shy creatures and will only bite if they feel they are in danger.
Please note cycling is not permitted around the reserve
Site map
Adam Palmer
Flooding at Fingringhoe Wick in Essex by Matthew Roberts
Max Martin
What to do
Explore
With miles of nature trails to explore and some stunning viewpoints, the reserve is a great place to visit all year round, ideal for getting out in nature and one of the best places for wildlife walks in Essex.
Events and activities
Throughout the year, we offer a wide range of activities and events, including wildlife events, adult courses, children's activities, school holiday events, and educational school and group visits, giving visitors of all ages the opportunity to learn about wildlife, explore nature, and enjoy the outdoors.
What to see
The nature reserve is now a SSSI (Site Special Scientific Interest), a wildlife haven of over 200 acres (80 hectares) hosting up to 200 species of birds, 27 species of dragonflies and damselflies, 24 species of butterfly, 350 species of flowering plants, as well as Adders, Badgers and many other animals.
Volunteering at Fingringhoe
We are looking for enthusiastic people to help promote the work of Essex Wildlife Trust at Fingringhoe.
Types of volunteering could include: office, shop, cafe, education or work parties.
Birthday parties
We offer a variety of fabulous themed birthday parties set in beautiful outdoor locations at our Nature Discovery Centres.
Schools and colleges
We believe in nurturing a lifelong love of nature at every age and stage of life. Our Wilder Learning programme offers opportunities for children, educators, adults and families to connect with the natural world. Designed to inspire curiosity and conservation, our programs are suitable for all ages.
Venue hire
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Centre offers a flexible space for meetings, workshops, training sessions, community events, and small private functions. Located within the main visitor centre with easy access to the café, it can be arranged in different layouts with tables and chairs. It includes Wi-Fi, an HD screen, and a flip chart, and can accommodate up to 25 people.
