As a great place for nature the woodland and reedbed at Northward Hill is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Natura 2000 site. On a ridge overlooking the Thames Marshes, Northward Hill includes scrubland rich in nightingales and whitethroats, a lovely bluebell wood, a large rookery and a cherry orchard. It is also a working farm with cows and sheep. The reserve also includes great swathes of flat marshes, where lapwings, avocets breed, wigeons and teals flock in large numbers over winter. Dogs are permitted on the Saxon Shore Way and the bridleways only due to the sensitive nature of the wildlife and habitats, the site is also a working farm with machinery and livestock.
A lovely visit to this peaceful and tranquil nature reserve. There is a small free car park at the entrance. There are 3 marked trails and also a bird hide. There are some lovely views across the countryside and the river Thames. As well as numerous bird species it is a haven for butterflies and other insects including dragon flies. There is seating dotted around the reserve and I found it easy to find a quiet spot and watch and listen to nature. Entry is completely free, there is a little donation box at the entry if you wish to help out.
I didn't take many photos on the walk apart from this one of a building I couldn't get to but it looked interesting to me the area was beautiful and so quiet you could hear individual birds flying past. We took the red route, which was the longest, and ended up getting lost for 2 hours, which i enjoyed. For anyone who loves nature and not people, it's a wonderful place to go. Just make sure you have correct footwear, or you will end up with wet socks, lol
Lovely area for a walk or to watch the birds. There are a few viewing areas and some bird hides if that's your thing! Car park isn't massive and gates are shut at 4pm. Road (track / lane) to access car park is single track and a bit bumpy in places.
RSPB Northward Hill offers users 3 walking routes of varying lengths from the car park. You know you're in a special place straight away as very near to the small car park you can hear (but unfortunately we did not see) the unmistakable call of the cuckoo. Colour coded routes are reasonably sign posted. However, as other reviews mention, the weathering effect on the route markers is quite pronounced and they really need to be renewed with weather-proof markers more suited to the British weather. Paths are reasonable to good in some places. In others, the paths are extremely boggy (combination of farm vehicles and cattle I suspect) and/or are totally overgrown. On our visit today, we managed to get almost to the end of the Heronry Trail but alas, we met a totally overgrown final section and had to turn back. Walking near the rookery on the Heronry Trail was just an amazing cacophony of noise. There are benches dotted along the trails and at the viewing points. There's a toilet (disable-friendly and with baby changing) by the car park (it was open despite the website saying it was closed) and a very small picnic area with a couple of picnic tables. Top tips: wear decent walking boots whatever the weather. Make sure arms and legs are covered. Some of the nettles are the size of triffids. Summary: nice walking trails of varying length with the opportunity of seeing some different bird life if you're lucky. Other than a toilet by the car park and 2 picnic tables, no facilities on site. Could do with some TLC.
I love it, here. I bring my little dog, just for a change of scene. We walk up to the bench over-looking the river. Good for the heart and soul. Bird life is good, though I don't come here for bird-watching. Cuckoo, whitethroats, herons (but you can't take your dog to the heronary)... But, the path I take is boggy. Having said that, this year has been particularly wet.
This should have been a great walk however the signposts leave a lot to be desired, some are 2m off the trail others dissappear with no marker to be seen as to where the trail deviated, such a shame.
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Hiking
Public toilet
LGBTQ+ friendly
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
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A lovely visit to this peaceful and tranquil nature reserve. There is a small free car park at the entrance. There are 3 marked trails and also a bird hide. There are some lovely views across the countryside and the river Thames. As well as numerous bird species it is a haven for butterflies and other insects including dragon flies. There is seating dotted around the reserve and I found it easy to find a quiet spot and watch and listen to nature. Entry is completely free, there is a little donation box at the entry if you wish to help out.
I didn't take many photos on the walk apart from this one of a building I couldn't get to but it looked interesting to me the area was beautiful and so quiet you could hear individual birds flying past. We took the red route, which was the longest, and ended up getting lost for 2 hours, which i enjoyed. For anyone who loves nature and not people, it's a wonderful place to go. Just make sure you have correct footwear, or you will end up with wet socks, lol
Lovely area for a walk or to watch the birds. There are a few viewing areas and some bird hides if that's your thing! Car park isn't massive and gates are shut at 4pm. Road (track / lane) to access car park is single track and a bit bumpy in places.
RSPB Northward Hill offers users 3 walking routes of varying lengths from the car park. You know you're in a special place straight away as very near to the small car park you can hear (but unfortunately we did not see) the unmistakable call of the cuckoo. Colour coded routes are reasonably sign posted. However, as other reviews mention, the weathering effect on the route markers is quite pronounced and they really need to be renewed with weather-proof markers more suited to the British weather. Paths are reasonable to good in some places. In others, the paths are extremely boggy (combination of farm vehicles and cattle I suspect) and/or are totally overgrown. On our visit today, we managed to get almost to the end of the Heronry Trail but alas, we met a totally overgrown final section and had to turn back. Walking near the rookery on the Heronry Trail was just an amazing cacophony of noise. There are benches dotted along the trails and at the viewing points. There's a toilet (disable-friendly and with baby changing) by the car park (it was open despite the website saying it was closed) and a very small picnic area with a couple of picnic tables. Top tips: wear decent walking boots whatever the weather. Make sure arms and legs are covered. Some of the nettles are the size of triffids. Summary: nice walking trails of varying length with the opportunity of seeing some different bird life if you're lucky. Other than a toilet by the car park and 2 picnic tables, no facilities on site. Could do with some TLC.
I love it, here. I bring my little dog, just for a change of scene. We walk up to the bench over-looking the river. Good for the heart and soul. Bird life is good, though I don't come here for bird-watching. Cuckoo, whitethroats, herons (but you can't take your dog to the heronary)... But, the path I take is boggy. Having said that, this year has been particularly wet.
This should have been a great walk however the signposts leave a lot to be desired, some are 2m off the trail others dissappear with no marker to be seen as to where the trail deviated, such a shame.
