Balls Wood
Balls Wood is a 58.5-hectare (145-acre) nature reserve managed by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust in Hertford Heath in East Hertfordshire. The wood was purchased by the Trust from the Forestry Commission.[1]
The northern part has mature coppiced hornbeams together with ash and field maple. There are breeding birds such as great spotted woodpeckers and sparrowhawks.[2] The site also has open rides which provide a habitat for insects such as white admiral butterflies and wild flowers including bluebells, wood anemones and early purple orchids. There are many ponds which support aquatic invertebrates.[3]
There is access by going along The Roundings from London Road past Hertford Heath nature reserve, turning right along Elbow Lane and left into Balls Wood.[4]
References
- "Wildlife trust saves Balls Wood". East Herts People. 1 April 2009. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
- "Balls Wood". Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Archived from the original on 15 February 2015. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
- "Balls Wood Nature Reserve". Wildlife Extra. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
- "Map of Balls Wood, Hobbyhouse Wood and Hertford Heath nature reserves" (PDF). Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 15 February 2015.