On the Heath
The Heath has many different users - and the conservation volunteers, with the working parties during the week and weekends, help maintain the Heath for everyone.
It has a very long history and variety of usage. The site was ploughed during WWII and since then, the heath has had a more open character, as remembered by older members of the surrounding community.
Rights of way
There are no public rights of way on the common, but there is open access throughout the Heath, and some are more heavily used than others, with people generally keeping to the paths and open areas, avoiding the dense scrub and bracken.
Working Parties
The winter working groups and Tuesday groups aim to re-establish the heather and to keep areas open, free of dense vegetation and the encroaching scrub.
The volunteers range from a 14 year old up to (and beyond!) 70 year olds - newcomers are always welcome. The working parties are fun and even if its raining we usually manage to light a fire to keep warm and to burn the cut vegatation.
There have been specific projects, including the Stream Restoration Project.
See Events for Working Party dates.
Health Walks
Health Walks on the Heath – for the young at heart, and for the young!
Wednesday morning, 10.30am, cars pull in to the car park and their occupants pour out, put on their walking boots, ready to enjoy an hour’s gentle but brisk exercise exploring the paths round Tiptree Heath.
The weekly Tiptree Heath Health Walks, part of the Walking to Health Initiative run by Natural England and supported by Colchester Borough Council, have become the activity of an ever increasing group of friendly, enthusiastic people who not only enjoy the exercise but also are increasing their interest in the outdoors and wildlife of the heath. The social aspect of the group is continued at The Ship with a cup of coffee after the walk.
The aim of the Health Walks is to encourage people who are either recovering from illness or reluctant to walk alone to take exercise to keep themselves fit. Our membership is mainly the over 50s, although we do enjoy the company of young people during the school holidays.
Heath Hunters
The Heath Hunters are the wildlife detectives of Tiptree Heath.
They take part in activities such as tree investigations, surveys using a frisbee, pond dipping, shelter building, safaris, lizard and snake hunts, tree dressing and much more!
The Club meets on the first Saturday each month, from 10 - 11.30am.
We like every child to have a responsible adult with them, and we've found that the adults enjoy it as much as the kids!
Please wear sturdy clothes that are suitable for the weather on the day. While there is no charge, donations towards replacement equipment are appreciated.
Read here for Abigail's story of being a Heath Hunter.
Walkers and other users
The variety of walkers on the heath may be involved in the following activities:
There are a number of bridle paths provided for horse riders.
The Tiptree Equestrain Centre (TEC) has worked with the Heath Management and strongly advises that horse riders do not canter or gallop on the Heath, making control by the rider difficult. This could provoke a dangerous situation in the presence of walkers and dogs.
Likewise, dog owners must ensure that they are in control of their animals, and when there are riders on the Heath it is advised that dogs be on leads. This way everyone can enjoy their time on the Heath.
It has a very long history and variety of usage. The site was ploughed during WWII and since then, the heath has had a more open character, as remembered by older members of the surrounding community.
Rights of way
There are no public rights of way on the common, but there is open access throughout the Heath, and some are more heavily used than others, with people generally keeping to the paths and open areas, avoiding the dense scrub and bracken.
Working Parties
The winter working groups and Tuesday groups aim to re-establish the heather and to keep areas open, free of dense vegetation and the encroaching scrub.
The volunteers range from a 14 year old up to (and beyond!) 70 year olds - newcomers are always welcome. The working parties are fun and even if its raining we usually manage to light a fire to keep warm and to burn the cut vegatation.
There have been specific projects, including the Stream Restoration Project.
See Events for Working Party dates.
Health Walks
Health Walks on the Heath – for the young at heart, and for the young!
Wednesday morning, 10.30am, cars pull in to the car park and their occupants pour out, put on their walking boots, ready to enjoy an hour’s gentle but brisk exercise exploring the paths round Tiptree Heath.
The weekly Tiptree Heath Health Walks, part of the Walking to Health Initiative run by Natural England and supported by Colchester Borough Council, have become the activity of an ever increasing group of friendly, enthusiastic people who not only enjoy the exercise but also are increasing their interest in the outdoors and wildlife of the heath. The social aspect of the group is continued at The Ship with a cup of coffee after the walk.
The aim of the Health Walks is to encourage people who are either recovering from illness or reluctant to walk alone to take exercise to keep themselves fit. Our membership is mainly the over 50s, although we do enjoy the company of young people during the school holidays.
Heath Hunters
The Heath Hunters are the wildlife detectives of Tiptree Heath.
They take part in activities such as tree investigations, surveys using a frisbee, pond dipping, shelter building, safaris, lizard and snake hunts, tree dressing and much more!
The Club meets on the first Saturday each month, from 10 - 11.30am.
We like every child to have a responsible adult with them, and we've found that the adults enjoy it as much as the kids!
Please wear sturdy clothes that are suitable for the weather on the day. While there is no charge, donations towards replacement equipment are appreciated.
Read here for Abigail's story of being a Heath Hunter.
Walkers and other users
The variety of walkers on the heath may be involved in the following activities:
- Dog walkers
- Walkers, ramblers and joggers
- Orienteering groups
- Bird watching and nature study
- Duke of Edinburgh award scheme
- Schools and Colleges
There are a number of bridle paths provided for horse riders.
The Tiptree Equestrain Centre (TEC) has worked with the Heath Management and strongly advises that horse riders do not canter or gallop on the Heath, making control by the rider difficult. This could provoke a dangerous situation in the presence of walkers and dogs.
Likewise, dog owners must ensure that they are in control of their animals, and when there are riders on the Heath it is advised that dogs be on leads. This way everyone can enjoy their time on the Heath.