Enjoy a day of discovery in Hockley’s ancient woodlands with Rochford District Council’s annual Wild Woods Day, now in its 13th year!

Families can expect a packed programme full of fun activities and entertainment in the stunning surroundings of Hockley Woods.

Wild Woods Day activities include:

• The Climbing Wall
• Archery
• Rare Owls
• Smoothie Bike
• Axe Throwing
• Bushcraft
• Tent Building
• Pioneering
• Storytelling with Beatrix Potter
• Fancy Dress, Face Painting and Arts & Crafts
• Bear Hunt Story Trail
• Tennis and Cricket
• Paintballing
• Parkour Workshops

There are also 3 different zones for family fun!

• Create & Play Zone (sponsored by Peaceful Place)
  • There will be a Beatrix Potter tent to celebrate the author’s 150th anniversary, featuring a storytelling corner with Mrs Potter herself. There will also be fancy dress and face painting, as well as all sorts of arts and crafts activities to keep little ones entertained. Venture a little deeper into the woods with the “Going on a Bear Hunt” story trail.
• Active Zone (sponsored by Potters of Hockley)
  • The Active Zone will have pop-up tennis and cricket arenas, paintballing, parkour workshop and more!
• Wild Zone (sponsored by Amos Estates)
  • The Scouts will be taking over this year, to create a pop-up camp site with activities such as axe throwing, pioneering, bushcraft and tent building.

Live music and performances by local groups, schools and artists (as well as games and competitions) will be entertaining on-stage throughout the day. The stage will be hosted by Radio Essex, sponsored by Wells Legal Solicitors, with charismatic presenter Paul Lovett.

Wild Woods Day has a focus on “green” themes including recycling, sustainability and protecting the local environment - and so is the perfect educational introduction to green living for children. There will be large pop-up market place showcasing local and organic produce, as well as upcycled and recycled goods.

For food and drink, there will be a dedicated picnic area offering up a Hog Roast, Gourmet Burgers and Hot Dogs and an Authentic Wood Fired Pizza Oven. As well as fresh Italian Coffee, Ice Cream, Candy Floss and Confectionary!

Wild Woods Day at Hockley Woods is sponsored by Fusion Lifestyle and in association with Crouch Valley Scouts.

Follow updates on Facebook and Twitter @RochfordDC and join in the conversation using #wildwoodsday

Selected activities require a £3 ‘Wild Stamp’ which you can purchase on the day. Only one stamp is required per person and this is valid for a range of activities that can be accessed more than once throughout the event. Terms and Conditions apply. All activities subject to change.