Fir and Pond Wood
This is the best remaining part of the ancient Enfield Chase with diverse woodland, meadow and wetland habitats which support an abundance of wildlife.
There are two main areas of woodland, primarily oak and hornbeam with some beech, rowan and silver birch. The woods are rich in birdlife including woodpeckers, sparrowhawks, warblers and tits.
At the southern end of Pond Wood there is an ancient meadow with woodland on three sides and Turkey Brook on the fourth. The meadow is being conserved with the help of Shetland sheep whose grazing stops the scrub encroaching. The meadow is rich in invertebrates, including butterflies, grasshoppers and large numbers of old ant hills.
The lake at the southern end is gradually being colonised by plantlife such as common reedmace and gipsywort. It supports large numbers of dragonflies including the ruddy darter.
The reserve is leased by the Trust from Hertfordshire County Council.
The management regime is designed to encourage a diversity of species through restoration of the grassland, maintenance of ponds and control of invasive species.
Volunteer work parties take place at Fir & Pond Woods on the third Sunday of the month at 10:00am -1:00pm. For more information contact David Gompertz on 01707 657351.
For other volunteering opportunities within the Trust, click here.
