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Blagrove Common

One of the finest areas of marshy grassland in Hertfordshire. It is at its best in late spring when it is carpetted with orchids.

Blagrove Common is one of the few remaining areas of unimproved marshy grassland on poorly drained boulder clay. It is bisected by a stream and varies in wetness from marshy grassland to dry neutral grassland.

The marshy areas are dominated by rushes and tufted hairs grass. Amongst these large numbers of early marsh, southern marsh and common spotted orchids and a variety of their hybrids can be found.

The grasslands have been maintained for several centuries by grazing. This form of management ensures that some species, such as orchids, survive instead of allowing the more vigorous grasses to out compete all other species. Traditional grazing on wet areas also produces muddy, trampled areas which are an important micro-habitat for some plants and invertebrates.

The drier areas of the common support meadow fox tail grasses, common cat's ear and common sorrel among many other species.

Summer

As part of the management of the common a task was held at the end of June cutting and raking rushes and thistles. This helps reduce the cover of the rushes and allows other wildflowers to spread, such as orchids.

Ragged robin and buttercups

Longhorn cow

The longhorn cattle returned in mid July, there are 6 of them grazing the common. They do an excellent job of eating the coarse vegetation that can dominate the wet grassland and this allows grasses and flowers such as water mint and meadowsweet to become established.

At this time of year the common is alive with butterflies on a warm day. Search the thistles that border the grassland for species such as comma, peacock, red admiral, large skipper, large white, gatekepper and small copper.

Swallows can sometimes be seen perched on the wires that are over the common and buzzards may be seen drifting high overhead. Spotted flycatchers have bred on the reserve this year and can be seen hunting around the paddocks and woodland edge that border the common.

Blagrove Common

How to Get Here

Location

Green End near Sandon

Directions

Head north on the A10. At Buckland turn left (Whiteley Lane) towards Therfield. The road bears sharp right and follows the River Rib. Turn left at the next junction towards Sandon. Turn left at next junction towards Green End. Here is a small green where a car can be parked on the edge. The reserve is entered from a small driveway leading past a large house, sign-posted as a public footpath.

Public Transport Links

None available

Walking Links

Map Reference

TL 328337

Visitor Guide

Size

4.5 hectares

Access to site

Open access

Access around site

Conditions are easy but wet in places

Walking time

30-90 minutes

Advice on what to wear/bring

Wellington boots

Map of site (if available)