Stow Maries aerodrome: A natural wildlife habitat in Maldon, Essex

We are very happy to work constantly with a variety of partners in the conservation and promotion of our ecology, here at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome. 

We have a team of dedicated volunteers that will be happy to introduce you to the diverse ecology that prospers here. As part of your full admission, you can join a guided Wildlife Walk on any Saturday or Sunday. Please ask when you arrive. We regret that these are not bookable in advance. 

In 2022-3, we were very happy to work  with the Association of Independent Museums in partnership with the Heritage Fund on our Nature: Near and Now project.

This project, supported by a grant from the  New Stories, New Audiences scheme, helped us to provide pathways through our wooded areas and trails to enjoy, as well as funding for some incredible cameras to watch our wildlife. We are very happy to have worked with the amazing 'Wildlife' Kate MacRae whose work has appeared on BBC Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Countryfile, on this.  

Kate's support has enabled us to broaden and develop our wildlife friendly habitats. Denis from Hipoint Visual Ltd worked with Kate to install cameras here at the site, giving visitors to our website unrivalled views of nesting boxes, watering holes and feeding areas.

Image Credits: D Stretton / Drake / SMGWA

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome provides the perfect, unspoiled habitat due to laying dormant for 100 years after WW1, allowing the wildlife to flourish.

The vast majority of the site is open grassland with woodland.  Although it has no statutory designation, it is home to many species of fauna and flora including all five species of British owls, a rarity in one location, and 22 red listed birds.

We work in partnership with Natural England to improve and manage our ecology.

As participants in their Entry and Higher level Stewardship schemes, we carefully manage the site to ensure the best habitats which includes 5,500 mixed broadleaf, native, woodland trees.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome gratefully and thankfully acknowledges the hard work, time donated by -  and the use of the equipment of -  Kate MacRae at Wildlife Kate and Denis Stretton, without whom, most of this would not be possible.