Patmore Heath

Patmore Heath Nature Reserve

Patmore Heath Nature Reserve © Charlotte Hussey

Patmore Heath

An outstanding example of grass heathland, now a scarce habitat in the south east of England.

Location

Off Albury Road at Gravesend village
Little Hadam
Hertfordshire
SG11 2LS

OS Map Reference

TL 441 257
A static map of Patmore Heath

Know before you go

Size
8 hectares
P

Parking information

No official parking. Layby parking available near reserve.

Access

Grass paths with some uneven ground.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to August

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

About the reserve

The heath is typified by wavy hair grass, red and sheep’s fescue grasses and sweet vernal grass, with characteristic summer flowers such as heath bedstraw and sheep’s sorrel. In damper areas, the locally rare heath rush and southern marsh orchid can be found. The ponds support all three native newts, including the locally-rare palmate newt, plus plants such as creeping jenny and lesser spearwort.

Seasonal Highlights
Spring:
 Grass snake, harebell, heath bedstraw, heath rush, sheep’s sorrel.
Summer: Dragonflies, kestrel, smooth, palmate and great crested newt..
Autumn/ Winter: Common lizard, small copper, red kite.

Directions

Site entrance: Open common

Access by road: From Bishop’s Stortford follow A120 to Little Hadham, turn right onto Albury Road. After 2 miles turn right at The Catherine Wheel pub. The reserve is signposted at the next right-hand turn.

Access by public transport
Bus:
20,27,28 – Gravesend Farm (0.1 miles).
Rail: Bishop’s Stortford (5.6 miles).

Your photos of Patmore Heath

If you have visited Patmore Heath with your camera, we'd love to see your images!

Share my photos

Follow us on social media

Support our nature reserves

It costs on average £30 per month to care for each acre of our nature reserves.
£