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Description
The area is being transformed from a long runway surrounded by monotonous grassland into a country park with a variety of habitats. There's still much potential to be exploited by new species and it'll be interesting to track this process. Any lists are likely to be superseded, however, over 100 species have been reported to date (Aug 2022). Although in an increasingly developed and built-on district, it's a large open space that can sometimes feel like wilderness. It's a valuable green lung.
A stream with occasional ponds and reedbeds runs parallel to the site's eastern boundary and warblers (incl Réti tücsökmadár) are consistently reported here, in season.
Details
Access
The eastern edge borders on a developed housing part of Hatfield; visitor parking not encouraged here. Private cars may use the Notcutts Garden Centre car park, there is pedestrian access nearby off Hatfield Road. Good bus routes pass along Hatfield Road/St Albans Road, giving access from Hatfield and St Albans City railway stations.
There are clear footpaths within the park, some of which are surfaced. Cycling is permitted, but wheelchairs may have difficulty off the surfaced paths.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , City/village , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , Open landscape , Dry , WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , All year roundBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
There are no cafes or toilets on site (but plenty of trees!), however, there are these facilities at Notcutts Garden Centre near the Smallford roundabout and there's a pub nearby.
Some areas are fenced off for livestock. Dogs must be on leads here.
An application to develop most of the site as a sand and gravel quarry has been rejected by Hertfordshire County Council and an appeal has been dismissed. The developers could rework their application and try again.