Shadwell Wood is one of a group of oxlip woods near Saffron Walden and is managed by the Essex  Wildlife Trust.   As well as oxlips there are orchids and  plants such as herb paris, spurge laurel and mezereon that are now quite rare.  Access is  from the main road from Saffron Walden, about one mile before the village of Ashdon.  Entrance to the reserve is by a track at the side of 'Barleycroft' bungalow.