Status: LNR (SSSI til 1986) LNR declared: 1995 & July 2004 Owned by: Harlow District Council Area: 13.3 Hectares (LNR) Local Plan Ref. No: 21/2 OS Grid Ref: TL 453 114 BAP species: Stag beetle BAP habitats: Reed beds, Urban

Stag beetle pyramid

Marshgate Spring is the middle of the three sites which form the Harlow Marsh Local Nature Reserve. Its name comes from Marshgate Farm, which it once formed a part of. The site can be divided into two types of habitats: marshland and mature woodland. The marshland sits on the flatter area next to the railway line. It contains a network of ditches and reed and sedge beds, supporting birds such as sedge and reed warblers. Grasshopper warbler has also been heard. The mature woodland slopes down from Queensgate Retail Centre and runs alongside the old road safety centre. This area contains natural springs that feed into the marsh. The main trees are oak and hornbeam with some ash, hazel, and willow. It is a lovely place to visit in late spring when the bluebells are in flower. Pathways run through the woodland from Edinburgh Way, Queensgate Retail Centre, and the Stort Valley.