WILD WARLEY
The nature reserve holds spring open days, when a succession of wild flowers appear. An early blanket of more than 100 species of snowdrops melt into March’s daffodils. Miss Willmott planted drifts of narcissus and rare daffodils, eventually becoming quite obsessed. It is said she booby-trapped her favourite specimens, even carrying a revolver in her handbag to deter bulb thieves. Over the years, they have bulked out to extraordinary levels, and have become extremely popular. “We have had more than 600 people on one day,” says Fiona Agassiz. “Mothering Sunday is always busy.” “There are snake’s-head fritillary in there too, if you look hard enough,” adds John Cannell. As the daffodils fade, an ocean of bluebells floods the valleys. Their delicate scent wafts through the trees, heralding the start of the rhododendron season. “We weeded out the invasive ponticum,” notes John. “The rest are quite rare.” The final major explosion of nature’s bounty arrives in June. Volunteers have cleared the house’s old carriage turning circle. Its dappled shade provides the perfect habitat for the common foxglove. Strange parasites have also found a home here. These include the odd birds’ nest-like witches’ broom, clinging to the branches of the holm oak. Another reappearance are the curious hooded flowers of the rare purple toothwort. This relies on the roots of trees in the woodland floor to flourish.