Snakes Lane, near Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex

Aubrey Buxton Nature Reserve

Mixed-habitat reserve

Place photograph

5.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

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Why it's Wildland

5.8

A small reserve with an unusually varied character: woodland, ponds and species-rich grassland sit within a site that was once a wildlife and pleasure park.

A compact, varied reserve rather than a single-habitat stroll: circular walks link ponds, woodland and flower-rich grassland, with uncommon plants including Adder’s Tongue Fern and Lesser Lady’s Mantle. Its modest scale suits a short, nature-focused visit.

Peaceful · Seasonal

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Snakes Lane, near Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex

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The experience

Choose the short circular reserve walk for a quick nature break, or take the longer circuit through surrounding farmland, meadows and lanes. Expect muddy conditions in wet weather.

Things to do

Walk the short reserve loop

Take the 0.75-mile circular stroll around the reserve, passing woodland and grassland. The route source gives a walking time of about 30 minutes.

About 30 minutes

Look for uncommon plants

Keep an eye out for Adder’s Tongue Fern and Lesser Lady’s Mantle, identified by Essex Wildlife Trust as uncommon species at the reserve.

Extend the walk into the surrounding countryside

Take the 2.5-mile circular option through the reserve and out across farmland, meadows and leafy lanes. Boots are recommended by the route source in muddy conditions.

About 1.5 hours

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 30 minutes; 0.75 miles

Quick Escape: the reserve circuit

01
Start at Aubrey Buxton Nature Reserve.
02
Follow the short circular walk around the reserve.
03
Notice the changes between woodland, ponds and grassland.

Half day · About 1.5 hours for the 2.5-mile walk; allow extra time for stops

Make a half day of it: reserve and surrounding lanes

01
Walk the longer circular route, which includes the reserve.
02
Continue through surrounding farmland, meadows and leafy lanes.
03
Finish with a refreshment stop in Stansted Mountfitchet; the route source names The Kings Arms, The Cork House and Cafe Yeomans.

Verified history

Essex Wildlife Trust describes the site as once having been a wildlife and pleasure park to Norman House. The late Lord and Lady Buxton donated the reserve to the Trust in 1976.

Hidden details

Two uncommon plants to look for — Essex Wildlife Trust names Adder’s Tongue Fern and Lesser Lady’s Mantle among the reserve’s rare and uncommon species. No specific location within the reserve is supplied, so look without leaving the paths.

A pleasure-park past — The reserve’s present mix of habitats occupies a place once described as a wildlife and pleasure park to Norman House.

When to go

· Check before visiting

Essex Wildlife Trust recommends spring and summer. The supplied sources do not specify peak flowering dates or wildlife viewing times.

Paths may be slippery when wet. A route source advises boots in muddy conditions.

The route

stiles: No stiles reported for the short route
surface: Some hard surfaces; paths can be slippery when wet. Longer route includes leafy lanes and quiet road walking.
distance: Short route: 0.75 miles; longer route: 2.5 miles
duration: Short route: about 30 minutes; longer route: about 1.5 hours
difficulty: Gentle slopes; route feedback recommends boots in muddy conditions
route shape: Circular
start point: Aubrey Buxton Nature Reserve
parking start: Essex Wildlife Trust reports a small car park with room for four cars.
shorter alternative: The 0.75-mile circular walk, approximately 30 minutes.

Woodland, ponds and species-rich grassland
Uncommon plants including Adder’s Tongue Fern and Lesser Lady’s Mantle
The longer option adds farmland, meadows and leafy lanes

Worth pairing with

Stansted Mountfitchet refreshment stops

The longer walk source suggests pairing the route with a stop in the village and names The Kings Arms, The Cork House and Cafe Yeomans. Check current details before visiting.

What to look for

Look for Adder’s Tongue Fern and Lesser Lady’s Mantle, both named by Essex Wildlife Trust among the reserve’s uncommon species. The site also has ponds, woodland and species-rich grassland.