Warley Place nature reserve
BrentwoodMap Ref: TQ 583 906.
Public Transport - Infrequent buses from Brentwood to Romford and Grays run past the entrance; ask for Thatchers Arms.
No Dogs allowed on the nature reserve.
Directions
On the B186 (Brentwood to South Ockendon) just south of Brentwood. Entrance next to Thatchers Arms pub.
This 25 acre reserve is the site of a house and once famous gardens said to have been laid out by the famous Miss Ellen Willmott. She remodelled the gardens and introduced into them a vast assortment of new plants from all over the world. Some are still found on the reserve.
What to look for:
The garden had fallen into neglect but has now been restored by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, although not in its original form. Part of the buildings remain and can still be seen and some areas are dangerous because of hidden cellars, water holes and decaying walls.
Warley comes into its own in the Spring when Snowdrops, followed by Daffodils and Crocuses can be seen in abundance and guided walks are available around this fascinating reserve. Winter Aconites, Anemones, Cranesbills and Ferns grow in profusion again, mingling with native species.
Among a variety of trees, some exotic, is a line of huge Sweet Chestnuts. The reserve attracts a wide variety of birds, including the Nuthatch, and has a good selection of invertebrates including stag beetles.
Areas have also been adapted as very suitable bat habitats.
Access
Please keep to the footpaths, including the path across the East Meadow and follow the marked trail.
On weekends from the end of February to early April, the gates are manned by volunteers and several thousand visitors come to see the daffodils and other spring flowers.
Did you know?
The path from the car park to the reserve was the drive to the house and before that the main road from Great Warley to Brentwood. The road was moved to its present position in the 19th century.
Download trail guide here.
For more details about Warley Place click here