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
