| A fine example of scarce reedbed habitat,
of particular importance within the London area.
The site is part of the Colne Valley lakes at Rickmansworth and is almost adjacent to Stocker's Lake. Reedbed habitat of any significant size is rare in the Greater London area and this, coupled with the large bittercress which grows here, makes the site regionally important. Most of the site is reedswamp. overwhelmingly dominated by common reed. By the Grand Union Canal the swamp is dominated by a mix of greater pond sedge and lesser pond sedge. Scattered alder crack and grey willows are to be found within the site, with a larger area of more mature crack willow at the southern end. Springwell Reedbed is noted for large numbers of breeding reed warblers and sedge warblers. In winter the reedbed is noted as a favoured roosting site for buntings and wagtails. Other wintering birds include snipe and occasional bearded tits. Springwell Reedbed is owned by Three Valleys Water and managed under an agreement by the Trust. |
 The management regime is designed to encourage diversity of
species, by cutting and paring small sections of reedbed each year.. |
| Visiting |
 From the A412 into Rickmansworth, turn right at Mill End into
Springwell Lane. Park in the small car park immediatley before crossing the
Grand Union Canal. Walk south down the canal towpath to view the site. |
 Bus stop at Aquadrome; 5 minutes walk. Trains to Rickmansworth
(Metropolitan Line); 10 minutes walk. |
 Accessible at all times from the canal towpath. |
 All year. |
 Good footwear necessary. |