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Attractions along the Trail


Explore attractions such as Parndon Mill, Harlow Town Park and Pets' Corner on the River Stort Sculpture Trail.

Parndon Mill on the banks of the Stort provides studios and workshops for artists, craftsmen and designers. There is also a fine art gallery which shows a series of eight exhibitions per annum. The Gallery is open Tuesday – Friday 10 – 6, Saturdays 12 – 4, Sundays & Bank Holidays 2 – 4.
Parndon Mill, Elizabeth Way, Harlow CM20 2HP
01279 426042
www.parndonmill.co.uk

Maymeads Marsh (also known as Honeymead Marsh) is the easternmost of the three sites which form the Harlow Marsh Local Nature Reserve. The pond is visited by wildfowl and wading birds and has nesting islands in the centre. There is an observation hide so that visitors can watch wildlife across the pond and marsh.

Over 100 species of bird have been recorded at this site, including rare species such as little ringed plover, ringed ouzel, greenshank, jack snipe, redstart, and bittern. The remaining grassland is also rich in wild flower species such as the southern marsh orchid and cowslips and attracts many insects and other species.

Parndon Moat Marsh (formerly known as Parndon Mill Marsh) is the westernmost section of Harlow Marsh Local Nature Reserve and used to be the site of a 12th Century moated manor house and mill. The site contains the existing moat, drainage ditches, sedge beds, roadside banks with attractive meadow flora and a small woodland.

The area attracts a range of wetland birds such as the water rail, heron, moorhen, and kingfisher. During the summer whitethroat and sedge warbler are found amongst the scrub while in winter months siskin will feed on the alder trees. Many species of insect, spiders, and dragonflies thrive in this unspoilt habitat.

To find out more about the Harlow Marsh Local Nature Reserve, call 01279 430005 or visit the Harlow Marsh Local Nature Reserve website.

Harlow Town Park is a 164 acre park situated within walking distance of the waterway. Designed by Dame Sylvia Crowe, the park included an outdoor bandstand that has provided public entertainment including jazz, pop and rock concerts since the 1960s. There is a café, paddling pool, skate park and adventure playground. Annual events include the Harlow Town Show and the fireworks display.

Pets’ Corner, a small and friendly farm-like environment, is also located within the Town Park. It is home to a variety of animals including fish, sheep, llamas and reindeer and as part of its Rare Breeds Programme, Pets' Corner looks after different species of rare breeds including Red Poll cattle and Essex pigs.
Contact 01279 422790.

The Gibberd Garden, designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd, Harlow’s masterplanner, has been described as one of the most important gardens of the 20th century. The glades, pools, lawns and alleys provide settings for some eighty sculptures, large ceramic pots and architectural salvage. There is a gazebo, an avenue of lime trees, a waterfall in the brook and even a children's moated castle with drawbridge.
Marsh Lane, Gilden Way. Harlow, CM17 0NA
01279 442112
www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk

For more information on all of Harlow’s attractions go to www.visitharlow.com

Last updated: 22/10/2008