 In the days when the museum was a working pumping station, the grounds were mainly laid to lawn, with large formal shrub beds and specimen trees. Maintenance was by full-time gardeners employed by the Water Company.
When the site fell into disuse in the 1960’s maintenance ceased, and the grounds became overgrown, to the extent that even the roads around the building could not be seen. When the museum came to Langford in 1996 some initial clearance work was done, and the shrub beds, lawns and roads were rediscovered.
During the period of disuse the site had become an important haven for the wildlife of the area, and it is museum policy to respect this in the way we manage the grounds.
As part of this policy it was decided in 2003 to develop the areas to the north and west of the main building as managed wildlife gardens and a wildflower meadow. Although it is early days, results are already very encouraging.
 We have taken advice from the Essex Wildlife Trust, and with their help we have identified forty-five native varieties of wild flower in these areas. We have also added another ten or so ourselves.
A bird survey has also been carried out that suggests that we have regular visits from over 70 bird species, and many including kingfishers, goldcrests, sparrowhawks and green woodpeckers are nesting on site.
Work and interpretation continues, with paths and picnic areas being mown in the wildlife areas so that visitors are encouraged to explore and enjoy them. A free guide leaflet is also available inside the museum.
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