| A fascinating array of habitats:
shallow spring-fed lagoons, marsh, willow woodland, hedgerow and meadow.
Lemsford Springs is a small nature reserve of approximately 3.7 hectares. It is an old watercress bed which is a valuable habitat - particularly for waterbirds, as it does not freeze in cold winter weather. Water rail, snipe, and the green sandpiper may be seen from the hides. The green sandpiper feeds on the shrimps which are abundant in the freshwater lagoons. Each bird eats some 8000 shrimps per day! The lagoons also support fifty species of water snail. Other birds to be seen are the kingfisher, nesting kestrels and grey wagtails. Mandarin duck also breed on the reserve. Flowering plants on the
reserve include star-of-bethlehem, ragged robin, butterbur and tussock
sedge.
There are good bird viewing hides and a 'classroom' used by visiting groups.
There is an active Watch Group, which meets here. |
The management regime is designed to keep the lagoons and meadow in
prime condition. This involves cutting and raking the watercress and grasses,
as well as willow pollarding.A leaflet is available here |
| Visiting |
The entrance to the reserve is on the west side of the roundabout
which links the B197 with the road to Lemsford village, and junction
5 of the A1M. (No access from the motorway). |
Bus stop in Lemsford Village; 5 minutes walk to reserve. Train station
in Welwyn Garden city: 25 minutes walk to reserve. |
Access is by permit only. Contact Grebe
House for details. |
Bird interest all year round (autumn and winter especially). Wildflowers
in spring and early summer. |
Good walking shoes recommended.Wellingtons when wet. |