NATURE lovers in Maldon will be pleased to learn that Essex Wildlife Trust has re-opened two of its discovery centres this weekend.

The trust has put in place measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus while making sure some of its key attractions are open this summer, though some continue to be closed until further notice.

Hanningfield Reservoir and The Naze Centre both opened their doors to the public again for the first time on Friday (31 July) since the start of lockdown. This follows the re-opening of three other centres two weeks ago – Belfairs Woodland Centre, Ingrebourne Valley and Thorndon Country Centre.

All five of these centres are open from 10am to 5pm and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Visitor numbers will be limited and contactless payment is encouraged, but cash still accepted, too.

An Update on Facilities Available at Each Centre

• Belfairs Woodland Centre in Eastwood Road, Leigh on Sea, has takeaway food and drink available, toilets open and the play area is now open, too.

• Hannningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre in Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, has takeaway food and drink available and toilets open. There is a one-way system onto the nature reserve and The Wind in the Willows Trail is open with maps for sale at the centre. Bird holes are open with social distancing restrictions in place.

• Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre in Hornchurch Country Park, Squadrons Approach, Hornchurch, has takeaway food and drink available, toilets open – and the play area is now open, too.

• The Naze Centre in Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, is offering takeaway food and drink and external toilets are open, too.

• Thorndon Countryside Centre in has takeaway food and drink available and toilets are open. Gruffalo Trail maps can be purchased from the centre.

Other trust visitor centres at Abberton Reservoir, Bedfords Park, Fingringhoe Wick and Thurrock Thameside remain closed at the current time. Nature reserves at Abberton Reservoir, Fingringhoe Wick, Abbotts Hall Farm and Weeleyhall Wood also remain shut.

Maldon Wick Nature Reserve

The Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve at Maldon Wick at Limebrook Way, Maldon, remains open to the public.

Visitors to the site can walk along the former Maldon to Woodham Ferrers railway line and admire the enchanted woodland either side, where rare butterflies can often be spotted. It should be noted that the footpath is flanked by steep banks and is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

A large, deep pond close to the entrance of the site boasts impressive reeds, water lilies and provides habitat for dragonflies and other wildlife.

There is no parking at the site and visitors are advised to use the Morrison's store car park and then use the pedestrian crossing to enter the reserve opposite.

For more information on all the sites and activities being organised by the trust this summer visit Essex Wildlife Trust website