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.