events calendar

Canvey Wick: a Man About Country Story Walk

In-Person
MAY 24

Sunday, May 24

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Log in to RSVP to this event

About

_ “I come not from Heaven, but from Essex” _ - William Morris

A brownfield rainforest, exploding beetles, an abandoned oil refinery gone wild, holy wells and magic rivers. There's plenty to discover in Canvey Wick.

On this story walk, you’ll be guided by storyteller James Lawrence, who will bring the landscape to life with history, folklore and local legends.

Essex is a land rich with cultural and natural treasures. Despite the one-dimensional view of Essex peddled by the media, we know that our county is like a glittering ruby with hundreds of sparkling facets. There are many secrets to be discovered here; some so well-kept that not even locals know about them! It’s about time we rediscovered the many ways of Essex, to celebrate our county in all its glory.

If you want to know more about the history, stories and places in your local area, while getting some quality time in nature - this walk is for you.

Walk Details

  • Start time: 12pm
  • Start & Finish point : Canvey Wick Car Park, SS8 0PT
  • Parking : Canvey Wick Car Park, SS8 0PT
  • Public Transport : 5 min bus + 10 min walk from South Benfleet Railway Station
  • Distance : 4km
  • Duration : 2.5 hours
  • Terrain : Grass paths, dirt tracks, concrete jungle
  • Dogs : Welcome
  • Questions : james@manaboutcountry.co.uk

This story walk was originally part of ‘The Essex Ways’ a storytelling project funded by the Essex County Council Art & Cultural Fund 2025. For this project, Essex-born storyteller James Lawrence undertook an epic 400km walking journey around the county in Spring 2025. Along the way he collected stories: from people, books, and the land itself. These stories have been woven together into a series of modern Essex myths, shared in a series of story walks across Essex. James’ aim is to celebrate the many different sides of Essex by highlighting local heritage as well as the beauty of the county’s natural landscapes.

You can learn more about The Essex Ways here: