Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve

Welcome to the Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve Website

The Stag Beetle Loggery was officially opened on April 5th. See The Loggery Page for the report

The latest issue of our Newsletter, The Reedbed is available on-line through the Members Only Pages

Photo: Janejira Matthews

The Mill Pond

 

What to look out for

The Horsham District Council Countryside Wardens are planning a website that should provide lists of animals, plants and fungi spotted around the Reserve and this will be included in the links below, when available. Meantime, on the left there are links to a few of the things you may see and for a comprehensive list of species recorded at Horsham countryside sites, why not pick up a copy of the Countryside Warden's Report 2006 from the Visitor's Centre. Click here for a review.

Photo - Graham Matthews

Comma butterfly

For more buuerflies, see our Butterfly and Moths page

Swift Colonies

An appeal from our Warden Sam Bayley: Sam is undertaking a survey of the Horsham District, trying to locate the whereabouts of swifts. Some of you may have seen the article in the West Sussex County Times, when Sam took part in erecting nest boxes for the birds that used to nest at Northbrook College. Swifts have been using this site for many years but as it is being demolished they need to find other places. He is very keen to know of other locations the birds are using. If you have any information, please let Sam know - he can be contacted at the Reserve.

Horsham in Bloom

Horsham in Bloom’s efforts have paid off handsomely and Horsham has won Gold in the regional South and South East in Bloom competitions.
All that remained was to conquer the Country...


AND NOW …


The Britain in Bloom final was held at Coventry Cathedral, Wednesday 26th September - HORSHAM was declared the overall winner of the large town/small city class of Britain in Bloom achieving the much coveted GOLD standard. In addition the town won a special award for its approach to the Royal Horticultural Society's theme for this year, which was "Bloomin' Wild."

For more news, click the Horsham in Bloom logo:

Horsham in Bloom

 

 

 

 

 

 


THE RESERVE

Warnham Local Nature Reserve is located on the North-West of Horsham in West Sussex and is easily accessed by road (B2237 turn-off into Horsham from the A24: See Map).

Access to the Visitors' Centre is free. However a low-cost day permit, currently just £1.00 per adult (admission for children is FREE) allows access to the whole reserve, including bird hides, the Millpond Nature Trail and two extensive boardwalks. Annual Permits are also available from the Visitors' Centre, currently at £5 for Horsham District residents and £10 for non Horsham District residents. These are issued on a per household basis. Additionally, holders of Annual Permits can join The Friends for an annual subscription of £10.

Warnham Mill Pond was orginally created as part of the Sussex iron working industry, but more recently provided the water for a mill to grind grain. The mill survives intact and the surrounding land comprises Warnham Nature Reserve.

The mill pond is fed by two streams, Boldings Brook and Chennels Brook, and there are three small ponds used for pond dipping. Two board walks give access to wetlands and woodland.

There is a wide range of wildlife to be seen, from minute pond organisms to herons, deer and foxes. Plant and fungi lovers are also well catered for and there is a feeding station that attracts a wide variety of birds.

Visitors' Centre - Photo: Graham Matthews

The Visitors' Centre offers rest for weary feet and refreshments for the thirsty or hungry, as well as occasional exhibitions.

Take an armchair tour around the Reserve

Activities & Events

The Horsham District Council Countyside Unit and the Friends organise a number of Activities and Events throughout the year. Click the link for details of forthcoming events.

What Do I Need Around the Reserve?

 

 

Other LINKS

 

 

 

 


ABOUT US

OBJECTIVES


To foster and promote an appreciation of the reserve at all levels, for the benefit of the wildlife and the natural history of the site and for the enjoyment of members and the public.

To support the wardens in their work on the reserve by raising funds, and to provide lectures, learning opportunities and social activities for the members.

 

SUBSCRIPTIONS

The Friends' membership year runs from 1st April to 31st March. The committee may use their discretion over the cost of joining within the last three months of the membership year. Currently subscriptions stand at £10 and cover the period to 31st March 2009. A valid Annual Permit must also be held.

NEWSLETTER

The Friends issue a quarterly newsletter to members. See below for back issues.

Members Only Pages for current issue

The Reedbed, Summer, 2008

The Reedbed, Spring, 2008

The Reedbed, Winter, 2007/2008

The Reedbed, Autumn, 2007

Newsletter, The Reedbed, Summer, 2007

Newsletter, Spring 2007

Newsletter, Winter 2006/2007

 

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

Friends of WLNR
61 Crawley Road
Horsham
West Sussex
RH12 4DS

Link to The Committee

A listing with details of committee members' interests.

Click to mail the (you must have Javascript enabled for this encrypted link to work)

Members Only Pages