About the reserve

Tucked away at the Northern end of the Naze public space is the John Weston nature reserve, so called after the reserves late Warden and leading Essex Naturalist, John Weston.

Rough grassland, Blackthorn and Bramble thickets and four ponds hold host to a variety of wildlife, including flowering plants and grasses such as Parsley Water-dropwort, Pepper Saxifrage, and Bush Grass.

During the spring and summer, the reserve comes alive with song and movement, from flitting butterflies to calling Common and Lesser Whitethroats. Listen carefully for the distinctive call of the Water Rail; if you’re lucky you may even spot one hiding at the edge of the reeds. Like the Water Rail, Cetti’s Warblers are more likely to be heard than seen.

Though small, this reserve is an important landfall for autumn and spring migrants while also attracting a range of winter visitors. If you are visiting, make sure to pop in to The Naze Centre for a cup of tea and a slice of cake!