Iron Latch Nature Reserve

Iron Latch in Autumn

Photo - Joe Francis 

Photo Credit- National Geographic

Photo Credit- National Geographic

Iron Latch Reed bed in winter

Photo - Joe Francis 

Iron Latch Nature Reserve

This little pocket of woodland holds a number of treasures, with Nightingales and Glow-worms all coming out to display in the spring and summer

Location

Halstead Road
Stanway
Colchester
Essex
CO3 OJR

OS Map Reference

TL955253
A static map of Iron Latch Nature Reserve

Know before you go

Size
4 hectares
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Parking information

Park on Halstead Road then take the public footpath Northwards across the railway line and the reserve entrance is 200m on the right hand side
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Grazing animals

Goats grazing in March
Sheep grazing in September
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Walking trails

A footpath leads around the reserve 

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Access

There is a rough track to reserve entrance then occasional muddy paths, with gentle slopes

Dogs

image/svg+xmlDogs permitted

Under effective control

When to visit

Opening times

Accessible at all times

Best time to visit

Spring and summer for flowers, late summer is good for Glow-worms

About the reserve

In the warmer months, walk through the wood and around the edges of the beautiful flower filled meadow, home to recovering colonies of Green-winged and Common Spotted Orchids. Wild and Barren Strawberries along with Birdsfoot Trefoil flowers spot the meadow with their white and yellow flowers, which in turn attract many butterfly species including Common Blues. The rich purple sheen of a Purple Hair Streak butterfly can also often be seen among the leaves of the hedgerows or flitting through the meadow.

In autumn, the woodland is transformed into a sea of golden leaves and red tones.

Location map

Photo credit- RSPB

Photo credit- RSPB

Did you know?

Glow-worms can be seen here on some summer evenings