Oughtonhead
Know before you go
Dogs
No public access
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all times, no public access to the reserveBest time to visit
April to JulyAbout the reserve
Oughtonhead is one of the larger fen woodlands in Hertfordshire. For such a small reserve the diversity of habitats is surprisingly large, comprising wet and dry woodland, fen, aquatic and water margin areas. In addition there are several ditches which are important for certain fen species. The reserve is an important habitat for birds such as kingfisher, water rail and woodcock, whilst mammals such as the water shrew may be seen.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring:Â Kingfisher, frog, reed bunting, water rail.
Summer:Â Common blue damselfly, flag iris, pipstrelle bat.
Autumn/ winter:Â Fieldfare, goldcrest, redpoll, redwing, siskin.
Directions
Site entrance:Â No access to site itself. View reserve from public footpath on other side of the river.
Access by road: From Hitchin take A600 Bedford Road. At Ickleford turn left at the mini roundabout onto Westmill Lane. Park and take track towards the river, turn right and follow the footpath.
Access by public transport
Bus: 80, 81 – Swinburne Avenue (0.5 miles).
Rail: Hitchin (2 miles).
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