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History and Management of the Site

The Creation of our Local Nature Reserve Formerly cow fields, waste ground and un-managed school fields perimeter. 1997 - 'HertsOutdoors' Conservation Management Report 1998 - Underground pipeline across site. 'HertsOutdoors' managed restoration project. Bank capped with chalk, scrape created and areas re-seeded with a commercial wild flower seed mix. 1999 Nov.- CMS joined Management Group. LNR first suggested. 2000 Jan. - Ecological Management Plan Sept. - Proposal made to English Nature with County Council approval. 2001 - Full botanical survey. Provisional approval for LNR status in Sept. 2002 Spring - proposed change of management. English Nature stated 'consultation requirements met', declaration of LNR by English Nature and Herts County Council. 4th July 2002 - Launch of LNR. see also News and Events

The site is a County Wildlife Site designated by the Wildlife Trust because of the rich mixture of habitat types found there. Now it is also an English Nature designated Local Nature Reserve, 'a place with special interest locally, which gives people special opportunities to study, learn or just simply enjoy nature'.   It is managed by the Development Centre, Countryside Management Service (CMS) and the Parish Council who plan to take over the lease of the site. HertsOutdoors also played a significant role in the creation of the LNR we see today. The 'Friends' of WLNR, including local residents, assist CMS in the upkeep of the Reserve by:- Monitoring flora and fauna Undertaking 'warden' patrols Commenting on and implementing the management action plan Assisting with the acquisition of grant funding Involvement with practical work, e.g. brush cutting Liasing with contractors What of the future? Information boards and interpretation materials. Dog waste bins Provide clear footpaths Clear scrub and shrubs from flower meadows Manage grassland by sheep grazing Increase monitoring of wildlife.

Soldier beetle Malachius bipustulatus

A number of Scrub bashing work parties have met to remove invasive vegitation. Kissing Gates have been installed. The Ash woodland has been thinned. Meadow grassland has been cut, and cuttings removed. The un-improved neutral grassland, which contains the county notable Grass Vetchling Lathyrus nissolia, should be maintained.