Backwarden
29ac/12ha SSSI
Grid ref: TL 781 041
Updated 31/12/2023.
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This part of Danbury Common has a great variety of habitats for its size – a number of pools and bogs, areas of restored heath, a small marsh, blackthorn thickets, and both old and secondary woodland, including some aspen groves.
The result is a wide variety of flowers, including heathland species such as tormentil and heath milkwort, and wetland species like marsh willowherb, pennywort and common and lesser skullcap.
Nesting birds include nightingale, blackcap and woodpeckers. Insects include green hairstreak butterflies and green tiger beetles. Many brimstone butterflies appear in spring because of the alder buckthorn trees, foodplant of its caterpillars.
Visiting
Access is on the west side of the road running across Danbury Common from Danbury to Bicknacre. SatNav: CM3 4JH.
Chelmsford-Maldon bus to Eve's Corner, and take the road signposted Danbury Common and Bicknacre. The entrance is on the right about 400m from the junction. The Chelmsford–S. Woodham Ferrers bus passes the reserve: ask for Danbury Common.
Accessible at all times
Worthwhile at any time of year; August especially recommended for the heather.
Please keep dogs under control.
Do not attempt to cross to the raised bog in the larger reedmace pool as conditions are dangerous.
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