High Woods Country Park

330 acres of woodland, grassland & wetland with path network, including a three mile circular walk & easy access trail. Visitor Centre and interactive displays, Rangers organise a range of activities throughout the year.
Just a few minutes from Colchester's bustling town centre discover this award winning Country Park. With its woods, wildflowers, lake and ponds it's a real breath of fresh air. A great place to picnic, walk and cycle, fish, feel close to nature or simply unwind and relax.

THE VISITORS CENTRE
Staffed, fully accessible, snacks, tea & coffee, seating inside or on nearby patio,
gifts, visitor information, exhibition space, children's creative corner, fire wood sold (seasonally available).


Open every day between 1st April - 30th September
Monday - Saturday 10am - 4.30pm
Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am - 5.30pm

Only at weekends only between 1st October - 30th March 10am - 4pm.

Public toilets attached to the Centre are open daily 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Good physical access near to the Visitor Centre and to the toilets - most of the woodland paths are level, even and hard surfaced. The sign posted 'easy access trail' (1/3 mile) has a bench every 70 yards. Away from the Centre access may be more difficult for people with reduced mobility. Please ring the Centre on 01206 853588 for advice.

EVENTS
Programme of events, activities and walks for children and adults. For details of current events please click on the 'visit colchester' tab and then the 'what's on diary'. Alternatively pick up a free Events Programme from the Visitors Centre.

EDUCATION
School and other educational groups welcome. Park staff provide a programme of environmental education for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 classes. Please telephone 01206 853588 or email countryside@colchester.gov.uk for more information. Education Activities PDF.

COUNTRYSIDE SERVICE
Colchester Borough Council look after the Country Park through its Countryside Service. Uniformed Rangers maintain it as a safe, clean and beautiful place, provide a welcome to all and ensure that you enjoy your visit.
To contact staff;
Telephone: 01206 853588
Fax: 01206 855287
Email: countryside@colchester.gov.uk

Or write to High Woods Country Park, Visitors Centre, Turner Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JR

WALKING
With miles of surfaced paths there are excellent walks for all ages and abilities. The woods are well worth a visit in spring for their birdsong and bluebells. A three mile way marked trail (free leaflet from Visitor Centre) takes in stunning views of Colchester and the surrounding countryside. More information on walking at High Woods Country Park and in the local area can be obtained from the Visitor Centre.

HEALTH WALKS
Led by fully trained volunteer walk leaders these walks take place every other Friday and Sunday, starting from the Visitors Centre. The walks vary in length from 1/3 mile to 2 miles. Free tea and coffee available afterwards. For more information please contact the Centre on 01206 853588 or email countryside@colchester.gov.uk

FISHING
Well stocked and patrolled lake with sheltered swims. Fishing by ticket only.

Day tickets can only be bought from Radcliffes Fishing Tackle Shop in Colchester High Street (Next to Williams and Griffins). Tickets can be bought in advance.
Adult £7.70
Junior £4.50

Season tickets can be purchased from the Council Offices. Please telephone 01206 282913 or email june.hart@colchester.gov.uk
Adult £37.40
Junior £23.60

Environment Agency Rod Licence rules apply. Closed season 16th March - 15th June inclusive. Due to the location of the lake and its distance from surfaced paths, access may be difficult for people with reduced mobility. Please ring the Visitor Centre on 01206 853588 for advice.

CYCLING
Most of the paths and tracks in the Country Park can be cycled with the exception of the 'easy access trail'.

DOGS
Dogs are welcome but please be a responsible dog owner by
"" Keeping them on a lead or under close control
"" Clearing your dogs mess. Free poop scoop bags are available at the Visitors Centre

VOLUNTEERING
Do you have any spare time? Do you enjoy being out in the fresh air and meeting new people? Do you care about your local countryside? Yes? Then how about lending a hand? You could be a:

Conservation Volunteer
Like to do practical work? Then come along to the Visitors Centre on Mondays at 10am. No experience necessary. Supervision, training, tea and biscuits all provided free. Wear outdoor clothing, strong shoes and bring a packed lunch.

Patrolling Ranger
Be the 'eyes and ears' by helping at weekends. Patrolling rangers need to complete three day training held in November.

Health Walk Leader
Interested in the health benefits of walking? Train as a leader and become fitter yourself.

Visitor Centre Assistant
Help is needed in the Visitor Centre, providing a warm welcome to visitors, dealing with enquiries and helping out in the shop. Training provided.

Trainee Ranger
Specifically for young people seeking work experience. Project Trident accredited.

If you are interested in helping out in any of these roles please speak to a member of staff at the Visitors Centre, ring 01206 853588 or email countryside@colchester.gov.uk

Application forms for Patrolling Rangers and Visitor Centre Volunteers are available at the Centre. Download an application form and further information.