Witham: Whetmead Nature Reserve has new trail launched

Witham Town Council unveiled the trail at Whetmead Nature Reserve, in Blackwater Lane.

The trail has 15 different nature poststhroughout the reserve, giving budding explorers the opportunity to engage with wildlife.

Each of the posts contains an etching panel so children can transfer drawings of birds, animals, insects and trees onto their own paper which they can then colour in for fun.

Educational - another of the Whetmead Nature Reserve trail's posts (Image: Witham Council)

The posts also contain fascinating facts about the wildlife found at the nature reserve.

This new trail is the latest in a number of recent enhancements at the site.

New steps, an interpretation board, and additional planting have all been carried out at the reserve.

It has been made possible through funding from housing developments collected by Braintree Council and passed on to the town council.

Councillor Phil Barlow said: “We are extremely pleased to complete this project utilising Section 106 funds available to improve our much-loved nature reserve.

“We hope that the nature trail itself will provide an engaging outdoor learning experience, promising fun and discovery which will inspire a new generation of nature and environmental enthusiasts.

“We are looking forward to continuing with further projects to improve our open spaces in the town in the future.”

Whetmead Nature Reserve was transformed from a council landfill site into a green open space for public use in 1991.

There is the option to buy a nature trail book with crayons for £2.40 at the information centre at the town hall, in Newland Street.

A range of nature spotting books are also available for £3.99.

For sale - some of the colouring and nature books available at The Information Centre (Image: Witham Council)

Further information about the nature reserve and trail can be obtained by contacting Witham Town Council on 01376 520627.