Hadleigh Country Park Roundhouse site to be nature nursery

The Little Wild Tribe, based in Hadleigh Country Park, is a nature nursery and pre-school set within 500 acres of the outdoors.

It aims to provide a daily outdoor adventure for youngsters in which they explore, play, discover, learn, and connect with each other and the world around.

Bosses have had plans approved for the change of use of land to be used for education purposes at the former Iron Age Roundhouse.

The Hadleigh Roundhouse, in the country park, was controversially demolished earlier this month as it had “reached the end of its natural life span”.

Essex County Council said that the costs to restore the roof and building was “prohibitive”.

The Hadleigh Roundhouse was used as a museum and its demolition left residents feeling disappointed.

Jacqui Thornton, councillor responsible for St James ward, said she was disappointed to hear the roundhouse had been demolished but praised the forest nursery.

She said: “I have made enquiries with Essex County Council on the decision, but I know a fire previously caused a lot of damage as it was vandalised.

“I am still waiting to see if it has been stored for use elsewhere where funds permit, as that is a disappointment.

“But there is good out of it as the forest school is a really good initiative.

“It is starting at the root, getting kids involved in nature, play, wildlife, and getting them at one with the world around.

“I am all for improvements at the forest school. These things need to be expanded and we need to get our kids with nature.

“It helps with wellbeing, development and looking into the future protecting of the environment.”

Back in 2017, the Hadleigh Roundhouse was subject to an arson attack which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. The roof of the replica iron-age round house was set on fire deliberately.

The building is a reconstruction of a chieftain’s house from the late Iron Age, which started around 750 BC.