Two ancient woodland walks offer wildlife spotting in Hertfordshire

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 2 Nov, 09:21 · Archive

Two nature reserves near Potters Bar and Broxbourne offer woodland trails with opportunities to spot birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

Two ancient woodland reserves in Hertfordshire offer walkers the chance to spot wildlife and escape the county's busier destinations.

Fir and Ponds Wood near Potters Bar sits on the Hertfordshire and Middlesex borders. The 29-hectare nature reserve features a meadow dotted with ancient ant hills and a medieval fishpond, with three marked trails - the blue, red and yellow. The reserve is thought to be the best remaining part of the ancient Enfield Chase. It has strong birdlife, with woodpeckers, warblers and tits spotted throughout the year. The ancient meadow at Pond Wood's southern end is rich in butterflies and grasshoppers. Parking is available in a layby opposite the Oshwal Centre.

Broxbourne Woods, Hertfordshire's only National Nature Reserve, stretches between Hertford and Broxbourne. It comprises several interconnected woodlands including Broxbourne Wood, Wormley Wood, Bencroft Wood and Hoddesdon Park Wood, dominated by ancient oak and hornbeam trees. The reserve features a woodland sculpture trail with carved wooden artworks inspired by the area's history and wildlife, including a Roman soldier and a stag. The reserve benefits from free car parks and several waymarked routes suitable for different abilities.

Both reserves attract wildlife enthusiasts, with spring and autumn considered particularly beautiful times to visit for woodland flowers and autumn colours respectively.

How it is being reported

• The beautiful woodland walk in Hertfordshire boasting incredible wildlifeFor walkers seeking an escape from Hertfordshire's better-known beauty spots, Broxbourne Wood National Nature Reserve is a must visit.The Comet · 2 Nov, 09:00
• The beautiful woodland walk in Hertfordshire boasting incredible wildlifeFor walkers seeking an escape from Hertfordshire's better-known beauty spots, Broxbourne Wood National Nature Reserve is a must visit.Herts Advertiser · 2 Nov, 09:00
• The lovely Hertfordshire walk that takes you through ancient woodlandThe Fir and Ponds Wood walking route takes you through woodland, meadows and is perfect for spotting wildlife.Herts Advertiser · 1 Nov, 04:00
• The lovely Hertfordshire walk that takes you through ancient woodlandThe Fir and Ponds Wood walking route takes you through woodland, meadows and is perfect for spotting wildlife.The Comet · 1 Nov, 04:00

In this story: Fir and Ponds Wood · Potters Bar · Broxbourne Woods · Hertford · Broxbourne · Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust · Enfield Chase · Wormley

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