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Keep an eye on our website for details of our new 2020 events! 



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  • nature
  1. Our site
  2. Nature

Nature

The legacy of a derelict factory has created another secret world for wildlife in the north part of the site, with its historic waterways and old buildings in the alder woodland, each an ecological niche and collectively forming a unique nature reserve.  There is increasing interest in the Royal Gunpowder Mills as a wildlife habitat.  A large area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The nature reserve attracts a wide range of birds, such as the siskin, which feeds on the alder seed cones. There are barn owls in the old buildings too, and herons are common in the wet areas. Other animals that make their home at the Mills include Fallow Deer, grass snakes and various species of bat. The waterways are inhabited by large carp and other fish, such as pike, and in summer these areas are alive with dragonflies and damselflies.

Interact with our nature

The best way to view the flora and fauna in the reserve is to bring out the family binoculars on an Open Day and head for our woodland walk or the Wildlife Tower, or join one of our Woodland Wildlife Safari's when the sun goes down and the wildlife gets active. We also have a Nature Blog keeping you up to date with nature happenings. 

To find out more about our upcoming Woodland Wildlife Safari's click here.

Woodlands

Woodlands

The woodland comprises an area of nearly 120 acres, most of which is designated by English Nature as a Site of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI). The new woodland management plan proposes that about a fifth of the woodland will be brought back into a coppice regime. Read more

Published: 4th July, 2019

Updated: 6th July, 2019

Author: Ian MacFarlane

Related topics:
  • Nature
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    Julie's Nature Column - Late summer 2020

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  • Help Royal Gunpowder Mills!

    Help Royal Gunpowder Mills!

    Coronavirus Survival Appeal The Royal Gunpowder Mills is closed until further notice and as a result, we have lost our essential visitor incomes and face a serious funding gap. Please donate to help continue our Charity’s work.

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  • Admission Prices

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    How to get here

    Find out more about where we're located and how to get here by all types of transport.

  • When are we open ?

    When are we open ?

    We open for events and group tours. Our event opening times vary - Please check before you travel. You'll find our upcoming open days and events at What's On.

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  • Professor Nitrate's Mad Lab

    Professor Nitrate's Mad Lab

    There's so much fun to be had in Professor Nitrate's Mad Lab

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    Gunpowder Cafe

    Tasty treats are being served at our Gunpowder Cafe!

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    We offer a fabulous range of activities for any type of group booking - so give us a call and arrange your group booking today!

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Julie's Nature Column - Spring 2020

Julie's Nature Column - Spring 2020

Read more

Published: 18th March, 2019

Updated: 24th April, 2020

Author: Julie Matthews

RGM Historic Book Reprint Series

RGM Historic Book Reprint Series

The Historic Reprint Series are Facsimilie reprints of books having historical relevance to the development and manufacture of gunpowder at the Royal Gunpowder Mills. Read more

Published: 19th July, 2019

Updated: 30th August, 2019

Author: Ian MacFarlane

Related topics:
  • Heritage
  • Book Shop
RGM Book Series

RGM Book Series

Books about the history of the Royal Gunpowder Mills written by Archive Volunteers. Read more

Published: 19th July, 2019

Updated: 29th January, 2020

Author: Ian MacFarlane

Related topics:
  • Heritage
  • Book Shop
Help Royal Gunpowder Mills!

Help Royal Gunpowder Mills!

Coronavirus Survival Appeal The Royal Gunpowder Mills is closed until further notice and as a result, we have lost our essential visitor incomes and face a serious funding gap. Please donate to help continue our Charity’s work. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 17th June, 2020

Updated: 9th August, 2020

Author:

Amazon Smile

Amazon Smile

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Published: 13th October, 2020

Author: Ian MacFarlane

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Contact us

Royal Gunpowder Mills,
Beaulieu Drive,
Waltham Abbey,
Essex, EN9 1JY
United Kingdom

[email protected]
01992 707370

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Royal Gunpowder Mills is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 1062968).