WATERFORD HEATH
A huge site offering lots of different birds and other wildlife
Waterford Heath is a former sand and gravel quarry that has been restored into a wonderfully varied community nature park as a joint enterprise in the 1990s by Lafarge Tarmac, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, and East Hertfordshire District Council. A giant 39 hectares, the site is split in two with the north and south heaths divided by Vicarage Road. To the north and west, the reserve includes the River Beane and Waterford Marsh, important habitats for Kingfisher and the elusive Little Egret. Flooding at the marsh can attract winter visitors drawn to the submerged meadows, however, you may wish to bring your wellies! The scrubland at Waterford Heath provides a perfect habitat for breeding Sky Larks and Willow Warblers once the spring temperatures rise and in the autumn has regular visitors of Fieldfares and Redwings. While walking between the wide range of habitats that can be found on this site, look to the skies for Sparrowhawks, Kestrels and Red Kites. All-round nature lovers may be interested in keeping an eye out for the Grizzled Skipper butterflies which feed on the abundance of wild strawberries, as well as heath-loving reptiles such as Grass Snakes and Slow Worms. Don’t miss Great Mole Wood, a semi-ancient woodland comprising of oak, Hazel and Ash trees. Here, you are sure to see woodpeckers and Treecreeper, whereas, in the conifer woodland, look for Goldcrest. ABIGAIL HAMILTONTHOMPSON