October 2013

We are entering a colder and probably wetter time of the year, but one in which a great deal of pleasure can still be found at Warley Place.

 

You may have already noticed that both ponds have been cleared round the edges. The islands of the north pond have also been cleared. You might be concerned that cover for wildlife has been affected, but there is plenty still round the edges of the pond itself and that on the islands will re-grow very quickly.

 

One of our volunteers was pretty sure he saw a mink swimming in the north pond. If you see any unusual (and in this case unwelcome) visitors please let us know. If it was a mink it is unlikely to return, but if it does we will have to do something about it as they are bad news for our local wildlife.

 

The other animal that is a real pest, although not to other animals, is the rabbit. For a while we had a temporary rabbit-resistant (but not quite rabbit-proof) fence round the sycamore by the inner gate. We found that the crocuses flourished there. When we removed the fence they did very badly, so we plan to install a good permanent rabbit-proof fence round it, with chicken wire dug into the ground, to see what happens. If the crocuses do very well we will have to consider what to do with the whole meadow. It would be very difficult indeed to keep the whole field free of rabbits, but we could try.

 

One of the things we try to do is to propagate from some of Ellen Willmott's original plants, but it's not easy. You may have noticed that a smaller version of the large-leafed magnolia (Magnolia obovata) is growing in the walled garden not far from its parent. It is a seedling from the bigger tree. Also there are two seedlings of the spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus) on the way back to the bridge over the gorge, and these too came from the adjacent parent. So we do sometimes succeed. However so far the very rare Meliosma veitchiorum tree has been very obstinate and attempts to grow from seeds and cuttings have all failed. However we have now taken a root cutting and will see what happens. This sort of thing might seem easy for Monty Don, but not for us!

 

A lot of work that you may not be aware of goes on in the background. One such job is the mapping of the reserve. Yes, we have a map on the trail guide, but we wanted an accurate map on which to plot all the hard features and planting; now we have one, at least in outline form. Most of the trees and hard features are on it, and we will gradually add the more notable plants too. This will enable us to make sure we do not accidentally dig up such plants, but also enable us to check on their health more systematically.

 

On a more sombre note. We do not mind people scattering the ashes of their loved ones on the reserve, but please do two things. It is privately owned although leased to Essex Wildlife Trust, so please ask someone first. Call one of the people listed on the Trail Guide - warden Richard Barklem on 01268 570102, or John Cannell, Mick Hedges or Fiona Agassiz. Secondly, scatter the ashes unobtrusively and do not plant any memorial plants there. Piles of ashes next to public paths are not what we want on the reserve. If you do want to donate something to remember them by then there are ways of doing that, including planting some trees that are appropriate for the reserve. Richard will be able to give guidance in this respect. Plaques will not be allowed but the tree will be tagged and the details noted in our records.

 

Finally, you will notice when you next visit the reserve that the old oak tree at the entrance is now horizontal! The top had died off and had been removed, although there was plenty of growth on the remaining three metre high very thick trunk. It had, we thought, plenty of life left in it. Until a BMW car hit it, that is. The car demolished the bus stop, the notice board – and our tree. We don't know why it happened in this particular case, but we do often see cars coming past at well over the 30 mph limit that applies through the village. I am one of those who does 'gate duty' on our open weekends. I shall be just a little more nervous next time!

 

John

June 2013

It's been a busy and confusing couple of months since our last report.

Many of the rhododendrons are still out, which brings a lovely splash of colour to the reserve – very welcome at this time of year for what is otherwise mostly a spring garden.  They will be followed by foxgloves, rather late but there in abundance.

 

The bamboo has done well too – unfortunately!  Many days have been spent digging it up to reduce it back to a manageable area and extending the trench to help to stop it spreading again.  It's a back breaking job and it made me quite tired watching Annabel, Mick and others attacking it with mattocks and spades!  Unfortunately it's the wrong bamboo for canes, otherwise we could make money selling them.

 

The grass has grown well during the recent mixture of sun and rain, so our latest batch of friendly and inquisitive cows will enjoy both meadows and save us a job.

 

You may have noticed recently a group of about 20 people wandering about carrying photographs and inspecting things.  The Essex Gardens Trust had organized a Historic Gardens Research day and they were trying to find items that had been photographed by Ellen Willmott, as practice for working on other less well documented gardens.  The distractions of such an interesting site proved too much at times, but it ended up as a very successful day.

 

Soon after that a group of 8 visitors arrived from France.  We do get visitors from all over the world, but these were special.  They were from Tresserve, which is where Ellen Willmott's old chateau still stands and is used as the Mairie for the town.  In fact one of them, Geneviève, has written a book about the Mairie and Ellen Willmott.  It is in French, but has comprehensive summaries in English, is well illustrated (including old photographs by Ellen Willmott herself) and contains a considerable amount of new information gleaned from original sources.  La Mairie de Tresserve is a little expensive at 35 euros plus postage, but in my opinion well worth the money.  If you are thinking about buying it you can look at my copy first.  I have just three here, thus saving postage if you get in quickly.

 

John

Additional Open Weekend

What a terrible spring it has been.  But an interesting one too, in that this year we have daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops all out at the same time in the middle of April!

The 2013 open weekends were due to finish on Sunday 14^th April, but because many of the daffodils are still waiting to bloom and the weather seems to have changed at last, we will be holding an additional open weekend on Sat/Sun 20^th and 21^st April.

Do come – the daffodils will be splendid but there are many other flowers coming out so, weather permitting, you will have a great time.

February 2013

From the moment you open the roadside gate at Warley Place you will be greeted by the crocuses and snowdrops on the bank opposite Jacob Maurer's cottage.  This cheering sight is so welcome after the long cold wet months we have had this winter.  These flowers are just the start of what we hope will be another delicious few weeks of spring flowers.  At the moment the snowdrops are taking centre stage and will accompany you all the way up the main drive.  There is a particularly lovely bank of snowdrops in the boating lake.  The scillas or spring squill will soon be providing a blue carpet in the walled garden and clumps of spring snowflakes are to be seen.  As you go further into the reserve there are the earliest daffodils dotted around on the main daffodil bank and also on a particularly sheltered spot in the west meadow. 

 

Look carefully when you pass the Persian ironwood tree near the bridge over the gorge.  It is just coming into flower and probably until the end of February you will see the small scarlet flowers that appear before the leaves.

 

As mentioned late last year the volunteers have planted a new hedge around the fence of North Meadow.  In preparation for this some undergrowth has been cleared and this has opened up the view at the top of the daffodil bank.  Once the hedge establishes this view will change, so come this year and next to see how it is growing and changing.  Volunteers have also worked through the autumn to clear sycamores and weedy cover that was establishing itself on the daffodil bank.  The early sign of daffodil leaves look good and we hope for a burst of flowers in the next few weeks.

 

The Wildlife Trust tree surgeons have been back to the reserve to continue work on unsafe trees. Some Ash and Sycamore near Dark Lane and in Miss Willmott's boating lake have been taken down. 

 

Photographs taken by Miss Willmott are on display in various places around the reserve showing how things were when she owned the garden.  These really help to bring to life what a magnificent small estate she had. 

 

The new bird hide overlooking South Pond is up and will provide good cover for visitors wishing to bird watch the ducks and other water loving creatures. 

 

Next month the reserve will be open on Saturdays and Sundays for visitors who wish to see the wonderful spring flowers.  Volunteers will be at the gate and will do their best to answer questions and point out any particulars points of interest.   However, you are welcome during the week if you want the chance of a quiet walk around.  Because of the weather conditions lately it is likely to be muddy and slippery in places, so please wear strong footwear and pay attention to any warning signs.