Nazeing Triangle Local Nature Reserve

Size: 0.6 Hectares

Grid Reference: TL 41433 06549

Owners: Nazeing Parish Council

LNR Declaration: 12 June 2001

Access: Open public access with street parking only on Betts Lane. A wheelchair accessible boardwalk takes you right to the centre of the site.

This peaceful pond and wetland nature reserve lies in the centre of “Old” or Upper Nazeing and is still the registered village green. Old maps (Chapman & Andre 1777) name the area as 'School Green' or ‘Church Green’, but it has become know as Nazeing Triangle because of its shape.

The site is hugley significant for its large population of great crested newts (pictured above), but it  also ideal for dragonflies, smooth newt and grass snakes. Countrycare and its volunteers have managed the site for over 20 years in partnership with the owners Nazeing Parish Council. It was a designated local wildlife site and was declared a Local Nature Reserve in June 2002. Countrycare have a formal management agreement with the parish council to manage the reserve on their behalf. 

• Nazeing Triangle LNR Management Plan 2008 - 2013 (download pdf 126kb)

The nature reserve itself is probably one of the smallest in the country! and is roughly triangular in shape, hence its name. It is enclosed by a hawthorn hedge and has a small area of grassland near the entrance. The remainder of the site is predominantly wet and is dominated by Common Reedmace and Great Willowherb. There are numerous Grey Willows of varying sizes, which are managed by regular coppicing.

The main features of the LNR are its ponds.The first in the centre of the triangle is relatively shallow, and subject to fluctuating water levels.Levels may vary from completely drying out in hot summers (2003) to a maximum of a metre and a half in wet winters. There is a large amount of emergent vegetation around its perimeter, mainly consisting of Common Reedmace. However, there are some interesting plants including Creeping Jenny, Lady's Smock and Gipsywort.

A second pond exists in the southwest corner of the triangle. From map evidence it is apparent this pond has existed for at least 230 years.This pond is of a greater depth and holds water all year-round. It is surrounded by mature vegetation (mainly willow) and receives very little light.

Both ponds provide very different habitats and it is important to maintain them as such i.e. one in full sun and the other in deep shade.

A good time to visit the reserve is early summer when you will see broad bodied chasers and emperor dragonflies patrolling the pond. If your lucky you may see a newt breaking the surface of the water to breath.

 Recent Work on Nazeing Triangle

• September 2010

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