Howe Dell Woodland Reserve - Woodlands and nature reserves
- Overview of habitat
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This lovely woodland reserve in south Hatfield lies between Woods Avenue and the railway line and access is via Howe Dell or Honeysuckle Gardens.
A meandering stream lies at the bottom of a deeply incised valley clothed in woodland comprising mature hornbeam, oak and beech. The stream disappears into a large swallow hole at the north end. At times of high winter water, a lake forms in the reserve, only to disappear again as the water drains away into the chalk aquifers. - How to access
- Level paths lead along both sides of the reserve which is well-known locally for its bluebells. The Great North Way, a cycle route from Potters Bar to Letchworth, leads through the wood on the west side.
- Volunteer with us
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If you have time to spare and would like to help with anything ranging from path maintenance, coppicing, hedge restoration, bird and butterfly survey, please contact us.
- How we manage the site
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Routine management includes tree safety works, path maintenance and litter clearance. Howe Dell meadow is cut only once a year during the autumn so that wild flowers can grow and set seed.
At all our sites we manage them with a balanced consideration to improve both wildlife biodiversity and public amenity whilst providing a safe and attractive experience for visitors.
All of our major sites have a dedicated ecological management plan which is used to help tailor the management to suit differing landscapes and habitat types. - Find on a map