Immerse yourself in the scene of a magical woodland - at this time of year, skeletal trees come alive with the high-pitched soundtrack of a mixed tit flock - Coal Tit, Great Tit and Blue Tit trilling in the trees, whilst Jay bury their winter supplies, and newts seek out its damper areas and hole up under fallen deadwood. The Badger slows down, content to snooze in its sett.

Under the woodland’s canopy, Bluebell, Primrose, Wood Anemone, Lesser Celandine, and Early Purple Orchid lay dormant promising a riot of colour come spring. Meanwhile, lichen, mosses and fungi create a micro habitat of their own, splashing their colour onto both living and deadwood, providing shelter to a host of invertebrates. The earthy smell, quite unlike anywhere else, reminds you of where you are standing - the soil enriched by autumnal falls - Oak, Wild Cherry, Hazel, Ash, Hornbeam, and Silver Birch amongst those adding to the rich compost beneath your feet. 

Deadwood broken down by the many lifecycles of its saproxylic beetle inhabitants feeds the soil further – making it a fertile source for new growth. Fresh rainfall adds to the aroma, depositing pearls of liquid on leaves, which, when caught by rays of sunshine, glint like crystals. In your mind’s eye, capture the feeling of stillness, peace and contentment that exists here, hold on to it…

Keeping the magic alive

Our experienced team has the know-how, skills and support of our wonderful volunteers to conserve these magical places. They do so by:

• Clearing areas to create sunny glades for woodland butterflies, including the White Admiral, Comma and Brimstone
• Coppicing trees to let light reach the woodland floor so that wildflowers such as Primrose, Bluebell, Lesser Celandine and Wood Anemone may thrive
• Surveying our woodland nature reserves and maintaining tree safety to keep visitors safe
• Keeping paths clear to provide access and enjoyment of our woodlands - this also encourages visitors to keep to the paths so as to minimise human impact on wildlife, benefitting species such as Bluebell

Maintaining and repairing bridges to keep our sites safe and accessible

How you can help us protect our local woodlands

We’re currently running a fundraising appeal to protect the magic of our local woodlands at: hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/protectwoodlands – please do take a look and help if you can. Thank you.