Warnham Local Nature Reserve
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Visiting Warnham Local Nature Reserve
Warnham Local Nature Reserve, just a 30-minute walk from Horsham town centre, is a haven for wildlife. Home to over 3000 individual species, the diverse mix of habitats attracts a wealth of flora and fauna.
While the water habitats surrounding the 17 acre-Millpond are the Reserve’s biggest attraction, there is so much more to discover as you follow the trails and boardwalks that wind through ancient woodlands, reedbeds and meadowland.
Five bird hides and two viewing screens are strategically placed across the Reserve offering a host of opportunities for bird watchers and photographers.
Perfect for families and offering level paths with good accessibility for buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters, Warnham Local Nature Reserve is a great spot to learn about wildlife and habitats. To protect our setting, no dogs are allowed on the Reserve.
Our address is Warnham Road, Horsham, RH12 2RA.
Please note : The Reserve operates on 'card-only' payments and is currently unable to accept cash.
Herons Rest Cafe Closure, 9th - 13th February 2026
Due to essential maintenance to the Visitor Centre, the Heron's Rest Cafe will be closed from Monday 9th February - Friday 13th February.
Visitors can still access the reserve which will remain open and free to visit during this week.
Please be aware that the standard opening and closing times still apply.
Boardwalk Replacement Project, starting Friday 12th September 2025
In September 2025, we began work to replace the second boardwalk. In keeping with the new Woodpecker Bridge, we are using recycled plastic as opposed to wood.
This provides a more environmentally sustainable solution, which will be harder wearing and require little maintenance going forward. The new boardwalk will provide safer access for our visitors and have regular passing bays for buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Since starting the project, the bad weather has hampered our efforts to complete this work and currently this boardwalk remains closed to the public.
Please follow all on-site signage and marked diversion routes. If this will affect your visit, please contact the reserve prior to travel.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Opening times
Warnham Local Nature Reserve is open to visitors every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- April to September: The Reserve and car park are open 10am-5pm. The cafe closes at 4pm.
- October to March: The Reserve and car park are open 10am-4pm. The cafe closes at 3pm.
Admission prices from 1 April 2025
Day admission and annual permit charges are set out in the table below.
The purchase of an annual permit includes complimentary membership to The Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve
| Ticket Type | Day Admission | Annual Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Child (under 18) Free | Free | Free |
| Adult | £4.20 | £20.00 |
| Adult with Leisure Access Card | £2.10 | £10.00 |
Not an annual permit holder?
You can still support The Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve by being a friends member for just £10.00 per year.
This membership year runs from 1st April to 31st March. Find the full details here.
There are a host of regular events at the Reserve that are open to both members and non members.
These are run in conjunction with the Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve . Please visit the events page for more details.
Travelling to the Reserve and car parking
On foot or by bike
Warnham Nature Reserve is approximately 30 minutes walk / 15 minute cycle from Horsham Town Centre.
From the Town Centre, cross Albion Way and join North Parade (B2237) heading north- west out of town.
Follow this road (which becomes Warnham Road) for approximately one mile and you will see the Reserve on your right.
Bike racks are in place by the main entrance. Please note cycling is not allowed on the Reserve.
By bus
The No 51 bus leaves from the Town Centre (Carfax) or the train station.
Alight at Redford Avenue / Saxon Crescent. Walk north on Redford Avenue, turning left to join the B2237 Warnham Road.
You will see the Reserve on your right. This is approximately a 10 minutes walk.
By car
Parking at Warnham Nature Reserve is free. At weekends the car park does get busy and we would encourage our visitors to travel on foot or by public transport.
Please be aware there is a locked 2m height barrier on the car park.
The car park is locked when the Reserve closes.
No, dogs are not allowed at Warnham Local Nature Reserve.
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