About the reserve

A small wildlife gem in the heart of Hertford, Beane Marsh is the Trust's newest nature reserve. The acquisition in July 2020 was made possible by a fundraising initiative by Save Beane Marshes, a group of residents, to secure the site for wildlife. 

The five-acre site lies next to the River Beane, one of Hertfordshire’s rare chalk streams, and is home to a variety of wildlife including rare marshy plants and a wide variety of butterflies and dragonflies. The River Beane has real potential to become a home to endangered water voles too. The floodplain grassland of Beane Marsh sits within the Beane Valley and provides a rare and valuable habitat as well as a crucial connection by the river to other nature reserves such as Waterford Heath to the north and King’s Meads to the south. 

Although there is no public access, Beane Road boasts great views over the reserve.

Keep up to date with Beane Marsh

• Fencing has been installed thanks appeal donations from the local community and other Trust supporters.
• Fencing will enable us to keep livestock on-site for a few months each year. Livestock grazing is a great way to keep nature reserves in good condition using a natural method. We expect livestock to be at this reserve later in 2022. Read more about managing nature reserves here.
• We are managing our hedgerows for nature conservation so, while they might a bit ‘untidy’, they are better for providing nesting sites, shelter and food for birds and other wildlife.  We are keeping adjacent footpaths clear for access and cutting back areas of nettles along Beane road.