Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Broxbourne Woods is Hertfordshire’s only NNR, and consists of a large area of sessile oak and hornbeam woodland at the northern edge of its range. The reserve is made up of four woods: Bencroft Wood and Broxbourne Wood, owned by Hertfordshire County Council, and Hoddesdonpark Wood and Wormley Wood, owned by the Woodland Trust. Hoddesdonpark Wood is particularly famous for its display of wood anemones in the spring. Continuing the tradition of coppicing and thinning creates different light conditions and warm sunny areas which are important for wildflowers and butterflies, such as the rare purple emperor and small copper, which are both found here. Many of the ponds are very old and have become important for wildlife. During the summer dragonflies breed and hunt for smaller insects above the water. Grass snakes are another predator often seen in the ponds hunting for newts and frogs.

Location

West End

About the area

As Hertfordshire is so close to London, many of its towns have become commuter havens. St Albans, less than 19 miles (30km) from the capital, has retained its distinctive character, along with many historic remains.