Lemsford Springs

Lemsford springs is one of of the best kept secrets in Lemsford. It is owned and managed by Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust

 

Lemsford Springs is a small nature reserve on the edge of Lemsford it has a long history dating back to the Doomsday book when it was owned by the Bishop of Ely for the full history you can go th Lemsford Local History Group
www.lemsfordhistory.co.uk/the-history-of-lemsford-springs.htm

 

Click here to view Gallery

 

The Trust purchased Lemsford Watercress beds (Now known as Lemsford Springs) in May 1970 at a price the district valuer set, £2500. The money was all donated, £500 by the world Wildlife Fund and Cadbury fund with the rest being private gifts. A management committee was immediately formed to look after the reserve and improve it ecologically and with regards to conservation

 

The area it covers is 3.7 Hectares, and is a habitat for water birds as it does not freeze in winter weather. It has a new hide from which Herons, water rail, snipe and the green sandpiper, Kingfishers, mandarin ducks and grey wagtails can be seen. The reserve also provides relaxing walks and includes the River Lea which runs by the side of the water cress beds, nesting kestrels, flowering plants.

 

 

Habitat: Former watercress beds, open shallow lagoons, stretch of River Lea, marsh, hedgerows. Nine acres. Key Birds: Spring/summer; Breeding warblers, Grey Wagtail, Kestrel. Autumn/winter; Green Sandpiper,Water Rail, Snipe, Little Egret, Siskin, occasional Jack Snipe. All Year; Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk.

 

Work Parties: These take place on the first Sunday of every month - 09:30 to 12:30. If interested in helping please contact warden. Contact: Barry Trevis, Warden, 11 Lemsford Village, Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL8 7TN. Tel: 01707 335517

 

 

 

 
Access: Access, via key, by arrangement with voluntary warden (or Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust HQ, Tel :01727 858901 if warden not available). Open at all times, unless work parties or group visits in progress. Keep to paths. Dogs on leads. Disabled access via ramp to main hide. Facilities: Two hides, chemical toilet, paths, bridges.

Public Transport: Bus service to Valley Road, WGC or Lemsford Village. No. 365/366. Nearest railway station Welwyn Garden City.Click here for Multimap Location