Date issued: 1 May 2019
May is National Walking Month and the perfect time to come and enjoy the walking events and activities taking place in the borough’s parks and countryside spaces.
The first event in May is a free Bluebell Walk which takes place 7 - 9pm on 8 May in High Woods Country Park. Visitors can join one of the rangers on a wander through the woods visiting the Park's bluebell hotspots whilst taking in the sights and smells of this wonderful time of year. Booking is not required for this event.
The Introduction to Volunteering Day taking place 10.45am - 3pm at High Woods Country Park on 11 May is ideal for those who enjoy being active and outdoors and working with others. Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more on the Council’s website and is asked to express their interest in this event by contacting countrysidevolunteers@colchester.gov.uk by 8 May.
For those who would like to "try their hand" at a traditional craft, there’s the free Pole Lathe Day at High Woods Country Park on 19 May which visitors can drop-in to any time between 10am – 3pm. Pyrography will also be available at this event for a small fee. The event is suitable for children, providing they are supervised.
If you’d like to spot wildlife on your walk, then the free family-friendly Gosbecks Archaeological Park Wildlife Walk from 10.30am - 12.30pm on 26 May is ideal. Join the ranger to discover what wildlife can be seen across the conservation grassland which should include Skylark singing, Whitethroat, Meadow Pipit and, hopefully, Corn Bunting. Visitors are encouraged to bring any Field Guides, ID books or binoculars, they have with them and wear footwear appropriate footwear for rough ground. Please be aware this event is weather dependent.
The family-friendly Butterflies and Beasties event taking place in High Woods Country Park during May half term is a great opportunity for the kids to search for all things butterfly, bug and mini beast related in the park. There will also be themed games and a chance for children to make their own clay creature or mini beast hotel to take home too. This event takes place 10am – 12pm on 29 May and is suitable for ages 4+. Booking for this event is essential and costs £4.40 per child.
Health Walks also regularly take place at High Woods Country Park all year round and are led by trained Health Walk Leaders. They are an ideal way to improve fitness or mobility in a sociable atmosphere and refreshments are available afterwards for a small fee. Booking is not essential but visitors are asked to arrive 10-15 minutes early for a brief introduction. For more information, please visit the Council’s website.
Tickets for bookable events can only be purchased through the Visitor Information Centre in Hollytrees Museum, in person at Hollytrees Museum, Castle Park, CO1 1UG or by telephone on 01206 282920, purchases cannot be made at the events.
You can also take a self-guided walk around any of our countryside locations. For more information visit colchester.gov.uk/parks
Page last reviewed: 1 May 2019