PICTURES: Lamarsh nature reserve open day showcases woodland and wildlife

Visitors got the chance to stroll around 25 acres of woodland and wildlife areas when Daws Hall Nature Reserve opened its doors to the public last weekend.

Located in Henny Road, Lamarsh, the reserve is run as an educational charity and stages open days throughout the year, with the next one taking place on June 17.

Proceeds from the next open day are going to Holy Innocents Church in Lamarsh.

There will also be an open day in October to show off the reserve’s autumn colours.

Michelle Mandry, office administrator for the charity, said the open day on Sunday offered people the chance to see the reserve and to get involved in family friendly activities such as pond dipping.

“Because the River Stour runs through the nature reserve, we do river studies and lots of primary and secondary schoolchildren come here to get involved in field studies.

“We run open days throughout the year where anyone is able to come and see the reserve and some of the wilder areas and enjoy the wildlife aspect.”

She added: “We have badgers and foxes here, ravens, deer, and turtle doves which are quite scarce.

“We’ve even had a sighting of a polecat which are making a comeback in Essex. Polecats are very slender and long like ferrets.”

The reserve also keeps bees and sells honey to raise money for the charity.

Daws Hall botanist Dr Stephen Clarkson is staging a wild flower course on Saturday from 10am to 3pm at a cost of £5.

Email info@dawshallnature.co.uk for more information.