The Picnic District 10 : Magnolia Park and Nature Reserve

The District Council website describes it as follows:

Magnolia Nature Reserve on the Ashingdon/Hawkwell border is a lovely area of habitat and can usually be found alive with bird life. One of the specialties that have been found most winters in good numbers is the increasingly rare Bullfinch.

This Nature Reserve is managed by Hawkwell Parish Council. The reserve was former brickworks and several signs of this trade are still apparent. The main element being the pond that was redeveloped in 1996 to which wildlife has gradually returned. A bridleway installed by Essex County Council gives access for horse riders through the reserve.

There are various pathways through the woods and some very long walks. For the bird watcher the best place to see birds in the woods is the area surrounding the public car park. Most of our woodland birds prefer some open spaces and the habitat in this area attracts most of the species to be seen in the woods.

There are no toilet facilities at Magnolia Nature Reserve.

There is a car park off of Rectory Road/Magnolia Road, Hawkwell by the railway bridge. It has a height restriction barrier and the gate is locked overnight.

There are pedestrian entrances into the nature reserve from Hogarth Way, Lincoln Road and from footpath 7 off of Rectory Avenue.

There's a car park at the entrance  , with an extensive mural by local young people.
There’s a car park at the entrance , with an extensive mural by local young people.
There is a play area for small children, equipment for  older children, and half a basketball court.
There is a play area for small children, equipment for older children, and half a basketball court.
Perhaps a Hawkwell or Ashingdon councillor could explain the significance of this wagon...
Perhaps a Hawkwell or Ashingdon councillor could explain the significance of this wagon…
There's plenty of room to run around - dogs seem to love it - and there's a picnic table...
There’s plenty of room to run around – dogs seem to love it – and there’s a picnic table…
Into the Nature Reserve...
Into the Nature Reserve…
Beware the deep water!
Beware the deep water!

About the author, admin

  • Thank you for highlighting this beautiful park, a great one to visit especially during the school holidays for the little ones
    The artwork was done by local youngsters assisted by local artist too

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