The Essex Natural History Centre or ‘Green Centre’ is a
relatively new resource at Wat Tyler Country Park, which is not far from
Basildon. It is the home of the Essex Field Club, members of which are keen on the
preservation of natural habitats and animal species dependent upon them.
A great deal of effort has been put into making the Park a
popular venue for families. The ethos behind the landscaping has been to make
it a friendly place for wildlife and at the same time for it to be inviting to the
general public. At first these objectives would appear to be incompatible,
because humans usually have a detrimental affect upon wildlife. We often
destroy natural habitats by the way we live, because we do not consider the
needs of local fauna and vegetation.
Wat Tyler Country Park was formerly a very grim place, because
it was badly treated by humans. Large parts of it were damaged by the presence
of an explosives factory*. Inevitably,
land was poisoned with devastating effects. However, in recent years the site
has been transformed. The old Motor Boat Museum has been replaced with the
aforementioned Natural History Centre, which contains exhibits of creatures from
the past and from the present. There are diagrams and illustrations on display of
creatures currently living in diverse habitats found within the Park. In
addition, there are actual examples of fauna from around the world. These
specimens of all sorts of insects, bugs, beetles, moths etc. are displayed in
cabinets. Ironically, these creatures were killed by those who collected them,
with little thought to the preservation of their species. Beside trays of fossils,
I saw a large one of an ichthyosaurus, although I doubt it was a real fossil - most
likely it was a plaster of Paris replica.
I commend the way in which the parkland has been managed,
except for the mechanical trimming of bushes and trees beside some of the
pathways. Elsewhere, trees have been lopped and bushes pruned sensitively. The
surfaces of footpaths and walkways have been well maintained, and they are
suitable for wheelchair users. ‘Nature trails’ give easy access to creatures
and plant life. I saw a number of birds, including jackdaws and gulls, but very
few smaller birds. From one of the bird hides I saw a duck that I could not
identify. As it waddled over mud at the edge of the creek it spooned its bill
from side to side in the mud searching for morsels to eat.
I didn’t see many children at the Park, but I noticed a
dedicated play area with climbing frames, slides and tunnels for them to
explore, plus a picnic spot with tables and bench seats. Light refreshments were
available at the Green Centre. Parking was free.
Links
*Pitsea Explosives and Alfred Nobel
Wat Tyler Country Park
Wat Tyler Country Park
Wat Tyler Country Park Video
Wat Tyler Revolt 1381
Wat Tyler Country Park Reviews
Essex Field Club Archive
Essex Field Club – Our New Centre
South Essex Wildlife Garden
1 comment:
Looks like a very interesting place to visit. Good way of using a rainy Sunday.
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