About the reserve

Miss Ellen Willmott 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 Place with its show of blooming spring flowers - from snowdrops to daffodils and crocuses then bluebells - is a spectacular sight to see. Also, look out for the Magnolias and Camellia, Winter Aconites, Anemones, Foxgloves and Ferns, which grow in profusion. 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 an excellent variety of meadow and woodland butterflies. Areas have also been adapted as very suitable bat habitats.

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.