Hobbyhorse Wood

Hobbyhorse Wood Nature Reserve

Hobbyhorse Wood Nature Reserve © Charlotte Hussey

Hobbyhorse Wood

Hobbyhorse Wood is a mixed woodland – ancient woodland has been replanted with mixed species, mainly beech, hornbeam and oak with some conifers.

Location

Elbow Ln, Hertford Heath
Hertford
Hertfordshire
SG13 7PW

OS Map Reference

TL 348 101
A static map of Hobbyhorse Wood

Know before you go

Size
4 hectares
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Entry fee

Free
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Parking information

No official parking. Park close to the College Arms pub on The Roundings. Follow The Roundings (crossing into the private road), turn left into to Elbow Lane and follow signs to Hobbyhorse Wood.

Access

Wooded paths. Main entrance is fairly flat. Paths are unpaved and can be muddy at times.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

24 hours

Best time to visit

April to July

About the reserve

There are some old coppiced hornbeam stools around the edge of the wood with a bordering ditch. Part of the ditch broadens out into a pond which supports a range of aquatic flora and fauna including common frogs. The reserve is a good place to see swathes of wood anemones early in the year, particularly near the entrance. The wood also supports butterflies such as peacock and ringlet.

Seasonal Highlights
Spring:
 Grass snake, tawny owl
Summer: Gatekeeper, ringlet, large skipper.
Autumn/ Winter: Blue, great and long-tailed tit, redwing, siskin

Directions

Site entrance:The site entrance is signposted on Elbow Lane, off of The Roundings.

Access by road: From Hertford Heath village follow London Road (B1197), until you reach The College Arms pub on your right. Turn right into The Roundings and follow below directions.

Access by public transport
Bus:
341 or 641 – The College Arms pub.
Rail: Hertford East (2.3 miles), Hertford North (3 miles).

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