Hill End Pit
A small chalk pit, noted for its fossils, surrounded by chalk grassland and scrub.
Hill End Pit is nationally renowned for its fine fossils which make this one of the Trust's most important geological reserves. It is also of interest for its small area of chalk grassland and scrub. Species to be found include vipers bugloss, cowslip, mullein and marjoram.
The reserve contains the biggest colony of the snail 'Azeca goodalli' known in the county. Frequent butterflies include the common blue, orange-tip and gatekeeper. Many species of birds and mammals flourish on the site. Tits are numerous so too are many finches. Regular warblers include chiffchaff, willow warbler, whitethroat, lesser whitethroat, garden warbler and blackcap. All three species of British woodpecker frequent the area.
The Trust has a legal agreement with North Hertfordshire District Council and Hertfordshire County Council to manage the site.
Autumn
Though not a large reserve Hill End Pit requires some management work in the autumn. The chalk grassland which borders the pit is cut and raked every year and small amounts of encroaching scrub removed. The pit itself is cleared of vegetation to maintain its geological interest.
The scrub that borders the pit is excellent for birds with species such as goldcrest and marsh tit often being found amongst the commoner tit species. Buzzards can be seen flying overhead throughout the year.
