Already regarded as the flagship green space for the area, Belfairs Nature Reserve – also known as Hadleigh Great Wood – has been managed through coppicing to create a perfect home for a diverse range of wildlife. This includes the rare heath fritillary butterfly and the success story of the dormouse. Now Essex Wildlife Trust and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council have worked in partnership to provide a fantastic woodland visitor centre for everyone to enjoy.

This important centre offers the local community a chance to get closer to nature and provide visitors with a really warm welcome. Belfairs Woodland Resource Centre offers visitors:

Wonderful Woodland Wildlife

• The chance to find out about Belfairs Park and nature reserve, how the woodland is cared for and why this ancient woodland is so important for wildlife, people and business.

• A place to learn about your local wildlife and conservation. Belfairs is an important home for Dormice and a really important habitat for Heath Fritillary butterflies.

• Experience the natural world and find out how fascinating wildlife in Southend really can be.

A Centre for You:

• Get involved in a full programme of events for all the family – a chance to find our own Essex minibeasts, learn about woodland management and try bird watching.
• A chance to recharge your batteries and get away from the hassles of everyday life

• Get healthy: it has been proven that green space is vital for people’s well-being.

•  The opportunity to buy some really original gifts, cards, wildlife products and woodland crafts and timber.

• A chance to have a cup of coffee and refreshments in an environmentally friendly building, and enjoy fantastic views over the Park.

• A great place for families and friends to take a break after a walk, cycle ride or horse ride.

The chance to be involved and volunteer

• Get involved and volunteer. Support the largest conservation charity in Essex, by giving your time and making a difference to your local environment.

• Find out why our woodland products are so important for the conservation of Belfairs woodland wildlife.

• The chance to help us Protect Essex Wildlife for the Future.

See also the Healthy Life Essex article:
The Dormouse in Belfairs Nature Reserve

Belfairs Nature Reserve has been developed as a joint project between Essex Wildlife Trust and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

The Woodland Visitor Centre is managed by Essex Wildlife Trust

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily. (9am to 4pm November to January)

Telephone: 01702 477467

Email: belfairs@essexwt.org.uk

Essex Wildlife Trust working in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

Pictures supplied by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.