| A sizeable and varied woodland, where
plantations of conifers contrast with old coppiced hornbeams.
Balls Wood is adjacent to Hertford Heath. The boundary of this woodland is clearly marked on a map of 1790 although it may not always have been a woodland. The northern part of the wood is the oldest and varies from old hornbeam coppice, which is now very mature, to mixed woodland of ash and field maple. Aspen has become more abundant in recent years and stands out when its leaves quiver in a breeze. Throughout the wood there are rides which, being open and sunny, abound with butterflies, including the white admiral, and other insects in the summer. It is important to keep these rides open for wildlife and to open other areas by coppicing. In spring the woodland rides are full of birdsong and wildflowers, including bluebell, wood anenome, early purple orchid and the rare herb paris. Breeding birds include woodcock and sparrowhawk. There are many ponds in Balls Wood which vary from shallow, muddy pools to deeper more open ponds. These support a range of aquatic organisms, including great crested newts, dragonflies and an unusual species of liverwort. The Trust has a management agreement with the owner, Forest Enterprise. |
 The management regime is designed to encourage diversity of species.
This includes coppicing and the production of charcoal, logs and wood
chippings. |
| Visiting |
 From Hertford Heath village turn into Roundings Road adjacent
to the College Arms pub. There is limited parking along this road although
not in the private section. From here walk about one kilometre along the
road, keeping to the right where it joins an unsurfaced section of the Roman
Ermine Street. The entrance to Balls Wood is on the left where there is a
Forest Enterprise sign. |
 The nearest bus stop is in Hertford Heath Village and the nearest
train station in Hertford. |
 Open access to paths. (Please do not enter the woodland
areas). |
 All year |
 Wellingtons usually necessary. |