Fir and Pond Woods

A diverse woodland reserve that features a meadow dotted with ancient ant hills and a medieval fish pond.

Location

Coopers Lane Road

Potters Bar

Hertfordshire

EN6 4DG

OS Map Reference

TL 277 012

Know before you go

Size

29 hectares

Parking information

Park in the layby opposite Oshwal Centre.

Walking trails

There are three marked trails – Blue, Red and Yellow Trail.

Access

Woodland and grass paths. Can be muddy.

Dogs

Under effective control

No dogs in the meadow. In other areas dogs are permitted under control.

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to August

Habitat

About the reserve

This is widely thought to be the best remaining part of the ancient Enfield Chase with diverse woodland, meadow and wetland habitats supporting an abundance of wildlife. The woods are rich in birdlife including woodpeckers, 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 rich in invertebrates, including butterflies, grasshoppers and large numbers of old anthills. The reserve is one of the best places to spot dragonflies and damselflies in the county.

Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, treecreeper, wood sorrel.
Summer: Azure damselfly, brown hawker, common knapweed, emperor dragonfly, gatekeeper.
Autumn: Parasol, waxcap.
Winter: Fieldfare, redwing.

Sit back, relax and go on a virtual tour of Fir and Pond Woods in this video of the reserve.

Directions

Site entrance: Reserve can be accessed off Coopers Lane Road (opposite the Oshwal Centre). There are also two entrances from local footpaths.

Access by road: From Potters Bar High Street (A1000) take the B156 towards Northaw and Cuffley. In 0.5 miles turn right into Coopers Lane Road. The reserve is about 0.5 miles on the right.

Access by public transport
Bus: 242 – The Causeway, Potters Bar. (1 mile).
Rail: Potters Bar (2 miles).