And although non-native, and generally well known to the south of England, the exotic-looking wasp spider was spotted here for the very first time in 2015. Heartwood is also one of only three sites in Hertfordshire to have stripe-winged grasshoppers. Small mammals such as yellow-necked and harvest mice also make their home here. Regular bat monitoring at Heartwood has revealed eight species of bat using the site, including the rare barbastelle. We now have significant populations of the rare small blue and purple emperor, and small heath and marbled white butterfly numbers have blossomed. Other rare birds such as the great grey shrike has also been spotted here, as well as hen harrier, grasshopper warbler and hawfinch.īutterfly numbers have seen a three-fold increase here since we took on the site. Since 2012, 19 kestrel chicks and 60 barn owlets have been ringed in Heartwood boxes. Farmland species and birds of prey in particular are a common sight, such as skylarks and meadow pipits, and we also have some breeding willow warblers, a scarce species for Hertfordshire. In fact, the total number of birds recorded here in the Breeding Birds Survey have more than doubled in recent years. Look up to the skies at Heartwood and you may catch a glimpse of a rare and special bird. The Woods will reopen in time for all to enjoy the bluebells in flower. Due to wet ground conditions, there is a high risk that the paths will become much wider and thus lead to a loss of bluebells. Damascus goats have long ears that drop down from their heads. Damascus goats are long-haired with brown or red-colored coats, which can sometimes be grey or pied. The frog is well suited to living underground. The Damascus goat is a large-sized Nubian-type goat breed indigenous to Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. It also has a round, lumpy, and somewhat disproportionate body. In addition to the purple hue, the frog has a unique pointed nose, resembling a mole more than a frog. This action has been taken to prevent the loss of bluebells along the path edges. The frog lives most of its life underground, so it has very unusual features. There are eight bike stands in front of the visitor welcome and information point.Īnnouncement: Wells and Puddlers Woods are now temporarily closed. This is flat but the surface is grassed and can become muddy or waterlogged in wet weather. An overflow car park is used on an ad hoc basis for events and exceptionally busy days. The car park surface is tarmac track with stoned parking spaces. There is a short surfaced all-access loop from the car park. There are some moderate gradients leading up from Sandridge village. Most of the paths are unsurfaced and can get muddy when wet. There is a network of paths in Heartwood Forest including a public footpath and two bridleways. If you’re visiting Heartwood Forest for the first time, use the main car park entrance where you’ll find information boards and a site map. Heartwood Forest is close to St Albans, on either side of the B651 between Sandridge and Wheathampstead Village.Īt 347 hectares (857.5 acres), there are several entrances to the forest, all linking to either bridleways, public or permissive footpaths.
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