| A mature alder/willow woodland with fen
vegetation running adjacent to the River Oughton. It is adjacent to Oughtonhead
Common Local Nature Reserve.
Despite being just under 6 hectares in size, Oughton Head is one of the larger fen woodlands in Hertfordshire. For such a small reserve the diversity of habitats is suprisingly large, comprising wet and dry woodland, fen, aquatic and water margin areas. In addition there are several ditches which are important for certain fen species. The site is typically semi-natural and has a long history of being managed as a fen. When this ceased, natural succession took place resulting in the mature alder carr seen today. The reserve is an important habitat for birds such as kingfishers, water rail and woodcock. Mammals include the water shrew and the declining water vole. The site is owned by Hertfordshire County Council and managed by the Trust. |
 The fen is maintained by cutting and by scrub removal to allow
new growth. There is non-intervention management throughout much of the
woodland. |
| Visiting |
 From Hitchin take the A600 towards Bedford. At Ickleford turn
left at the mini roundabout into Westmill Lane (the Icknield Way) Park by
the farm cottagesand take the footpath down to Westmill. The reserve can
be seen by following the public footpath, upstream, along the River
Oughton. |
 Bus stop on A600. |
 Accessible is by permit only.
Contact Grebe House for details. |
 All year |
 Wellingtons recommended. |