A café, shop, toilets and Heritage Centre were opened today in Hornchurch Country Park by TV personality Iolo Williams. The official opening was only a small part of a whole day of family fun including guided walks, entertainment, the AGM of the Essex Wildlife Trust and food and it was attended by an estimated 3500 people. This new facility was really needed at this busy park and it will be a great asset to the area. The Centre, a joint venture between the Essex Wildlife Trust and the Havering Council, has been built on a prime site overlooking the Ingrebourne Marshes to sustainable building standards. It will be run by the Wildlife Trust and local volunteers and it will be open seven days a week. The Trust is looking for new volunteers to help at the centre. If you can spare some time please contact the centre manager by email at VickyJ@essexwt.org.uk or telephone her on 01708 520364.

The Hornchurch Country Park will in future be known as the Ingrebourne Valley Local Nature Reserve.