John Weston
9ac/4ha SSSI
Grid ref: TM 266 245
Updated 31/12/2023.
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This nature reserve at the northern end of the Naze consists of blackthorn and bramble thickets, rough grassland and four ponds or 'scrapes'. It is named after a leading Essex naturalist and former warden of the reserve.
Its nesting birds include cetti's warbler and both whitethroat and lesser whitethroat. Water rail are seen and heard regularly. It is an important landfall for migrants and also attracts a variety of winter visitors.
Notable among its flowering plants are parsley water-dropwort, slender thistle, pepper saxifrage and fenugreek.
A circular path runs around the eastern section and is good for butterflies and other insects in summer.
Visiting
The John Weston reserve forms the north-western part of the Naze public open space and can be reached via footpaths. SatNav: CO14 8LE.
Several bus services run to The Naze via Walton station.
This site acts as a sanctuary although organised and casual visits are possible.
Please keep dogs under close control.
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