Walk on the Wild Side at Bourne Valley!
Event Information
Description
Take a Walk on the Wild Side at Bourne Valley!
A day of FREE walks & nature activities for all ages, inspired by the nature and history of this amazing space! Meander through the wild wood with oaks and chestnut trees, then follow the brook which flows the length of the site past two lovely ponds teaming with wildlife.
Our costumed characters will take you on a Wild Walk and History Hike to remember! They'll be fun and games along the way with mini-beast quests, rope walks and the wild workout with our friends from Huathe and Fiona Fox and bird feeder and 'plant a seed' activities with The Conservation Volunteers.
The woodland area and boardwalk beside the ponds is freely accessable to all. Tucked away beside the mill pond you'll discover the National Trust's Bourne Mill - the picturesque watermill with working waterwheel! (entry fees apply for visiting the mill £3.75 adult, £1.90 child)
Wear wellies or walking boots as it may be muddy :-)
Meet: Everything begins from The Welcome Tent beside the boardwalk. See map below.
Why not make a day of it and bring a picnic? Or you can drop by at any time.
Limited parking available - Walk, cycle or take the bus if you can.
The nearest entrance to the Welcome Tent is the pathway from Stalin Road. You can also enter from Bourne Road, Gilberd Road, Old Heath Road and Barn Hall Avenue.
Everything begins from The Welcome Tent beside the boardwalk...see below:
So what's on offer? So much!!!
*11.30am to 3.30pm - Make a bird feeder and plant a seed with The Conservation Volunteers, Dragonflies & Butterflies with Fiona Fox, Spider Rope Walk & Mud Masterchef with Huathe Forest School.
*11.45pm- 12.45pm and 1.45pm - 2.45pm - Wild Walk with Professor Queen Bee.
*12pm - 1pm and 1.30pm - 2.30pm - History Hike with the mysterious miller's daughter who has travelled through time!
*12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm - Wild Moves and Grooves with Empress Studio and Hive Tribe.
*12pm and 2pm - Three Mile Stroll - A super circular walk around Bourne Valley and beyond.
*1pm - Things with Wings - Gentle short stroll exploring nature suitable for all abilities.
*2pm - Tree-mendous Tree Walk - 45 mins some hilly bits and rough ground, includes cemetery.
*12pm and 2pm - FREE entrance and tour of Bourne Mill - 20 available for each session, tickets from Welcome Tent, first come first serve!
Proud to be part of the Jane's Walk Colchester – local walks led by local people on local themes; all given free, in celebration of the late urbanist and activist Jane Jacobs (1916-2006).
HOW TO GET THERE
Walk, cycle or take the bus. Limited parking available.
The nearest entrance to the Welcome Tent is the pathway from Stalin Road. You can also enter from Bourne Road, Gilberd Road, Old Heath Road and Barn Hall Avenue.
By cycle: Click here for cycle route map.
Bus: The 8A, 67 and 67A buses run along the Mersea Road. 66A along Stalin Road.
ACCESS: Bourne Valley has a wooden boardwalk (approx 1m-1200mm wide) running most of its length, with some short sections of dirt path with light/compacted gravel (manageable for most wheelchair users). There are occasional rest points along the way.
At both ends of the valley however, wooden chicanes (intended to deter motorbikes) DO make access into the valley difficult for chair users (though not impossible with support. Mobility scooters regrettably will not be able to negotiate these barriers.
For individual access queries, please contact Rowena Macaulay, either via Jane's Walk Colchester FB page, or on 07710 474999.