|
Willowmead is a small area of wet alder carr woodland, situated adjacent to the River Mimram, to the rear of a housing estate at the western end of Hertford. Many of the alder trees are of considerable age and are multi-stemmed, evidence of past management. Other canopy trees include crack willow, ash and aspen. The shrub layer contains much osier as well as grey and almond willow, spindle, black and red currant, guelder rose, dog rose and hawthorn. The ground flora is rich in marsh and swamp species with tussock sedge frequent, however the dominants are those indicative of nutrient enrichment - stinging nettle and cleavers. A small pond was created within the reserve in late 2006. Otter and water vole have been recorded along the river. A reasonable selection of common birds is present, reflecting both the woodland and wetland elements of the reserve, including kingfisher and wintering siskin. Lesser-spotted woodpecker, lesser flycatcher, song thrush, nuthatch and treecreeper breed in the woodland, whilst mandarin, mallard, tufted duck, moorhen and coot breed along the river and its edge. |
| Visiting |
 The site is accessed by a gate at the end of Becketts,
a cul-de-sac off the westbound A414 out of Hertford. |
 Ground conditions can be very wet and there are no clearly
defined footpath routes through the site.
Please contact the Trust if you require greater access for research purposes. |