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Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve

Hertfordshire's only National Nature Reserve (NNR) is also recognised as a Special Area of Conservation of European importance. Broxbourne Woods, south of the A414 and west of the A10, is a very large area of sessile oak and hornbeam woodland at the northernmost part of its natural range.

The four woods that make up the reserve are Bencroft and Broxbourne Wood, both owned by Hertfordshire County Council; and Hoddesdonpark Wood and Wormley Wood which are both owned by the Woodland Trust. All of these woods are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as they are home to some of our scarce woodland wildlife. One of our rarest butterflies, the Purple Emperor, has found a home in Broxbourne Woods.

As well as being an important site for nature the woods have a strong connection with our past. Look out for the banks and ditches in and around the woodlands. These tell us that our Roman and Medieval ancestors lived and worked here. During these times a mixture of coppiced woodland for fuel wood and pasture for livestock grazing would have made this area much more open than it is today.

In the NNR there are many examples of coppicing particularly of hornbeam. People learnt that by cutting trees just above the ground and allowing them to regrow from the stump they could maintain a renewable crop of small wood. This material was useful for many things including fencing, building, and fuel wood. Even during the industrial revolution these woods fuelled local industry.

Bencroft Wood

This section has a history of intensive coppice mangement. Coppicing along pathways creates sunny areas for wildlife. It is a good place to see butterflies, dragonflies and if you are lucky, a sparrowhawk.

Wormley Wood

This is mostly a large block of tall mature native trees. Where possible these trees will be allowed to develop naturally with little intervention. However, parts of the wood were replanted with conifers. These are now being thinned back and removed to favour native species such as oak, birch and hornbeam.

Hoddesdonpark Wood

This is particularly famed for its display of wood anemones in the spring. Continuing the tradition of coppicing creates different light conditions and warm suuny areas that are important for wildlife and butterflies.

Broxbourne Wood

This has areas of recently planted conifer trees. The plan is to gradually remove these to bring back the native broadleaved trees. There are also some sheltered glades that are vital for wildlife. This site now includes an award winning easy access sculpture trail suitable for walkers and wheelchairs. The sculptures are all chainsaw oak carvings and include a Roman soldier, a giant acorn seat and a wild boar and its piglets.

There are dedicated car parks within the NNR.

To find these and other items of interest please download the following maps for the whole NNR and the Broxbourne Wood Sculpture Trail.