Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
There are many places in Hertfordshire and Middlesex where you can see butterflies and some of these sites will be
good for recording our common species.
However, throughout the two counties there are some very special places where the rarer
butterfly species might be encountered. At some of these sites, it might require a lot of patience and the sighting might be only very
brief but nevertheless we hope just as memorable.
The list includes most of the notable sites found throughout the branch area. We have included a grid reference and some
of the species that might be seen and at which times of the year. We apologise in advance if any of the details are found to be incorrect.
More details of the sites can be found in the recently published (2016) Butterflies of Hertfordshire and Middlesex which can be
purchased through the Herts Natural History Society.
Warning: Do not leave any valuables or items on display when parking cars in the more remote areas. Unfortunately many of these sites are targetted by thieves!
|
The Broxbourne and Wormley Woods Complexes cover a large area of woodland south of Hertford and west of Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire. There
are several different woods and these have all been listed seperately. The central woodland area of Highfield, Brambles and Cowheath are
private and have limited public footpath access. Box Wood north of Lord Lane is private with no public access although Elbow Lane (Ermine
Street) runs parallel. |
Colour key:
Click on habitat type above for more on the associated sites
| Site: | Bedfont Country Lakes Park |
| Grid Reference and Postcode: | TQ083727 - TW14 8BF |
| Access: | Between Feltham and Ashford in the London Borough of Hounslow |
| Parking: | At Clockhouse Lane and Bedfont Road entrances |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Ashford on the South Western Railway |
| Key Species: | Green Hairstreak and Purple Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | May for Green Hairstreak |
| Further information: | Variety of wet and dry habitats. Brown Hairstreak eggs found nearby, e.g. Raleigh Park Open Space so worth checking for this species on the wing in July, August and September |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the London Borough of Hounslow |
| Site: | Bishop's Stortford Southern Country Park, Thorley, near Bishop's Stortford |
| Grid Reference and Postcode: | TL474194 - CM23 4BH |
| Access: | Several footpaths throughout the park |
| Parking: | Car park on site |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Bishop's Stortford from London Liverpool Street. Local bus service available from the station. |
| Key Species: | All grassland species |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season |
| Further information: | This green space was created during the building of the St. Michael's Development and has quickly become a really good butterfly site. |
| Additional Notes: | The site is owned by East Hertfordshire District Council |
| Site: | Bunkers Park/Long Deans, near Hemel Hempstead |
| Grid Reference and Postcode: | TL075047 - HP3 8BS |
| Access: | Several footpaths |
| Parking: | TL073078 - From the A4147 Hemel Hampstead to St Albans road turn right in Leverstock Green towards Bedmond. At the small crossroads turn right into Bunkers Lane. The reserve is situated about one kilometre along on the left. There is limited parking in Bunkers Lane and along Highwoodhall Lane which is on the left. |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Apsley from London Euston. Local bus service available from Hemel Hempstead. |
| Key Species: | All grassland species in particular Common Blue and Marbled White |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season |
| Further information: | Good walking shoes recommended |
| Additional Notes: | This is a Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Reserve |
| Site: | Cheshunt Park, Flamstead End, Cheshunt |
| Grid Reference and Postcode: | TL345045 - EN7 6QD |
| Access: | Several footpaths throughout the park |
| Parking: | TL347037 - good parking facilities |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Cheshunt from London Liverpool Street. Regular bus service in the area |
| Key Species: | All grassland species in particular Small Copper and Small Heath. White-letter Hairstreak are found on the elms by the clubhouse! |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season |
| Further information: | This is one of the best grassland sites in south east Hertfordshire. |
| Additional Notes: | The site is managed by Broxbourne Borough Council. There is a cafe and there are publically accessible toilets in the golf clubhouse |
| Site: | Cranford Country Park, The Parkway, Cranford |
| Grid Reference and Postcode: | TQ101775 - TW5 9RZ |
| Access: | Walks and trails through woodlands, wildflower meadows and wetlands that comprise of marshland, ditches and ponds |
| Parking: | TQ101781 - carparking available |
| Public Transport: | The closest underground stations are Hounslow West on the Piccadilly Line (approximately 2.5 km to the south east) from where bus services 81, 222 and H98 can be found or Hatton Cross which is also on the Piccadilly Line (approximately 2.5 km to the south west). The nearest railway station is Hayes and Harlington (approximately 1 km to the north west) which departs from Paddington in Central London. Bus services 195 and E6 can be found here. |
| Key Species: | Grassland species including Small Copper and Common Blue |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season |
| Further information: | There is a visitor centre and toilets |
| Additional Notes: | IP Ecology and Countryside Service manages the area along with Hounslow Heath Local Nature Reserve and Bedfont Lakes Country Park |
| Site: | Croxley Common Moor |
| Grid Reference: | TQ082948 |
| Access: | In Croxley Green via Mill Lane or from Moor Lane Crossing which lies just off Tolpits Lane |
| Parking: | In Croxley Green |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Croxley on the Metropolitan Line |
| Key Species: | Marbled White |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Grassland across a floodplain |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the Three Rivers District Council |
| Site: | Great Ashby Woodland and District Park, Great Ashby, Stevenage |
| Grid Reference: | TL267267 |
| Access: | Several footpaths throughout the park |
| Parking: | TL266269 limited parking spaces in a small carpark at the end of Serpentine Way, off Great Ashby Way. It's also possible to park on the main road, close to the entrance of Pryors Wood at approx. TL264264. |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Stevenage from London Kings Cross. Local bus service available from Stevenage Town. |
| Key Species: | All grassland species including Marbled White. Also White-letter Hairstreak are seen on adjacent elm |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season |
| Further information: | This space was redeveloped following the building of the Great Ashby Development and has quickly become a really good butterfly site. |
| Additional Notes: | The site is next to Pryor's Wood which is a Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Reserve. The site is managed by North Hertfordshire District Council |
| Site: | Heartwood Forest |
| Grid Reference: | TL177110 |
| Access: | North-east of Sandridge, about 4 km north of St. Albans |
| Parking: | Large car park at the Sandridge end |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Harpenden to the north-west and Welwyn Garden City to the east |
| Key Species: | Small Blue and Marbled White |
| Best time to visit: | May and June for Small Blue, and July for Marbled White |
| Further information: | Grassland on the eastern side of the car park |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the Woodland Trust |
| Site: | Hillbrow, Letchworth |
| Grid Reference: | TL205315 |
| Access: | East of the Stotfold Road, south of Wilbury Hill, west Letchworth |
| Parking: | At Wilbury Hill picnic site off Stotfold Road near the Icknield Way junction or street parking in Letchworth |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Hitchin to the south-west and Letchworth to the north-east |
| Key Species: | Small Blue and Marbled White |
| Best time to visit: | May and June for Small Blue, and July for Marbled White |
| Further information: | Grassland on west-facing hill |
| Additional Notes: | |
| Site: | Horsenden Hill |
| Grid Reference: | TL160845 |
| Access: | Between Greenford and Perivale, south-west of Wembley |
| Parking: | Car park on Horsenden Hill Lane North |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Sudbury Town on the Piccadilly Line, and Central Line at Greenford and Perivale |
| Key Species: | White-letter Hairstreak and Brown Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | July for White-letter Hairstreak. August and September for Brown Hairstreak |
| Further information: | Grassland and hedgerows. Brown Hairstreaks should be searched for on blackthorn and tall trees nearby |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the London Borough of Ealing |
| Site: | Hounslow Heath |
| Grid Reference: | TQ125745 |
| Access: | Between Feltham and Hounslow in west Middlesex |
| Parking: | At the northern edge |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Hounslow |
| Key Species: | Green Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | May and June |
| Further information: | Grassland and heathland st the southern end by the railway |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the London Borough of Hounslow |
| Site: | Nomansland Common |
| Grid Reference: | TL170124 |
| Access: | Open access |
| Parking: | TL170124 - Nomansland Common is situated between the villages of Wheathampstead and Sandridge, approximately 2 miles north of St Albans, Hertfordshire. The Common is divided by the B561 St Albans Road, Ferrers Lane, Down Green Lane and Drovers Lane. Car parking is available on Ferrers Lane. |
| Public Transport: | The nearest station is approximately 3 miles away at Harpenden from London St Pancras and there is a bus stop at the Wicked Lady Public House with a regular bus service operating between St Albans and Wheathampstead |
| Key Species: | All grassland species especially Small Copper and Small Heath. |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season |
| Further information: | Nomansland Common is owned by the Althorp Estate and Wheathampstead Parish Council. It's managed by St Albans City & District Council under a Scheme of Management drawn up in 1953 and in consultation with the Joint Management Committee |
| Additional Notes: | |
| Site: | Patmore Heath, Albury, near Bishop's Stortford |
| Grid Reference: | TL443258 |
| Access: | Open access |
| Parking: | TL443258 - The reserve is 3km north of Little Hadham which is on the A120 between Bishop's Stortford and Standon. Upon reaching Gravesend, a lane on the right leads east to the reserve. Parking bays alongside the common. |
| Public Transport: | Very limited, nearest station is Bishop's Stortford |
| Key Species: | All grassland species in particular Small Copper and Small Heath. |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season |
| Further information: | This SSSI is an outstanding example of grass heathland. With its ponds, the reserve is rich in flora and insects. Strong shoes recommended. |
| Additional Notes: | This is a Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Reserve |
| Site: | Six Hills Common, Stevenage |
| Grid Reference: | TL237237 |
| Access: | South-west of Stevenage Town Centre opposite police station |
| Parking: | Car park at the ASDA superstore |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Stevenage |
| Key Species: | White-letter Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Grassland heavily grazed by rabbits, with cluster of mature elms on the western side |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by Stevenage Borough Council |
| Site: | Totteridge Fields |
| Grid Reference: | TQ223940 |
| Access: | In the angle between Hendon Wood Lane and Totteridge Common |
| Parking: | No car park |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Mill Hill Broadway to the south-west and Totteridge and Whetstone to the east on the Northern Line |
| Key Species: | Marbled White and Purple Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Grassland and hedgerows |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the London Wildlife Trust |
| Site: | Balls Wood and Hertford Heath, near Hertford |
| Grid Reference: | TL343106 (Balls Wood) |
| Access: | Several footpaths |
| Parking: | TL348103 (for Balls Wood and Hertford Heath west) Park on the Roundings next to the College Arms pub |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Hertford East from London Liverpool Street or Hertford North from London Kings Cross. Regular bus service between Broxbourne Station and Hertford passes through Hertford Heath |
| Key Species: | White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Hairstreak and the occasional Purple Emperor. Good for all woodland butterflies! |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season |
| Further information: | This is one of the best woodland sites for White Admiral. |
| Additional Notes: | This is a Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Reserve |
| Site: | Bencroft Wood NR, near Broxbourne |
| Grid Reference: | TL328063 |
| Access: | Several footpaths and trails |
| Parking: | TL331064 (Bencroft Wood West off White Stubbs Lane) TL326064 (Bencroft Wood East off White Stubbs Lane) |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Broxbourne from London Liverpool Street or Bayford from London Moorgate |
| Key Species: | White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Part of the Broxbourne Woods complex |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by Hertfordshire County Council |
| Site: | Bramfield Park Wood |
| Grid Reference: | TL285154 |
| Access: | West of Bramfield village down the bridleway called Bury Lane |
| Parking: | In the village |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Watton-at Stone |
| Key Species: | White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | The best place of the wood is the bridleway in the north-western part |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the Woodhall Park Estate |
| Site: | Bricket Wood Common, near Watford |
| Grid Reference: | TL131010 |
| Access: | Several footpaths and tracks |
| Parking: | TL132006, lay by near clearing along School Lane, Bricket Wood |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Bricket Wood Station from Watford Jnct to St. Albans Abbey Station. Turn right out of the station and head south along Station Rd. After a few hundred yards, the road bends round to the right. At the bend & just before the railway bridge take a left turn into School Lane. The lane winds through the wood and after half a mile or so you'll come to the meeting point at a parking bay on the left of the lane, with a large clearing on the right. |
| Key Species: | Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, White Admiral, Purple Hairstreak also Marbled White and Brimstone. Good for all woodland butterflies! Purple Emperors are also present but elusive. |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season but late June and July for Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor and White Admiral |
| Further information: | |
| Additional Notes: | This has become one of the best sites in Hertfordshire to observe woodland butterflies. Managed by St Albans City and District Council |
| Site: | Broxbourne Wood NR (part NNR, SSSI), near Hertford |
| Grid Reference: | TL325072 |
| Access: | Several footpaths and walks including an easy access woodland trail |
| Parking: | TL324070 (West Carpark off Pembridge Lane) - recommended for Purple Emperor TL327069 (East Carpark off Pembridge Lane) |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Bayford from London Moorgate. There is a limited bus service to Brickendon Green from Hertford. |
| Key Species: | Purple Emperor, White Admiral, Purple Hairstreak and occasional Silver-washed Fritillary |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July for Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor and White Admiral |
| Further information: | Part of the Broxbourne Woods complex, this site was probably one of the best sites in Hertfordshire to see woodland butterflies, throughout the season. However, recent management has not been favourable to butterflies. We ask that observers still visit though and report back their sightings. |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by Hertfordshire County Council |
| Site: | Danemead part of the NNR SSSI, near Hoddesdon |
| Grid Reference and Postcode: | TL346078 - EN11 8GG |
| Access: | Open access with adjacent footpaths |
| Parking: | TL347087 (Goose Green off Lord Street) or TL346077 (Ermine Street off Cock Lane) |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Broxbourne from London Liverpool Street |
| Key Species: | White Admiral, Purple Emperor and Silver-washed Fritillary |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Sheep may be present on the site, please keep dogs on a lead. |
| Additional Notes: | This is a Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Reserve |
| Site: | Heartwood Forest |
| Grid Reference: | TL162114 |
| Access: | North-east of Sandridge, about 4 km north of St. Albans |
| Parking: | Large car park at the Sandridge end |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Harpenden to the north-west and Welwyn Garden City to the east |
| Key Species: | Purple and White-letter Hairstreaks |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Woodland is on the western side of the car park |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the Woodland Trust |
| Site: | Hoddesdon Park Wood NNR SSSI, near Hoddesdon |
| Grid Reference: | TL351084 |
| Access: | Several footpaths and trails |
| Parking: | TL347087 (Goose Green off Lord Street) or TL346077 (Ermine Street off Cock Lane) |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Broxbourne from London Liverpool Street |
| Key Species: | White Admiral |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | The site is very good for woodland flowers in the spring |
| Additional Notes: | This is a Woodland Trust Reserve |
| Site: | Northaw Great Wood SSSI, near Cuffley |
| Grid Reference and Postcode: | TL280038 - EN6 4BG |
| Access: | Several footpaths and trails |
| Parking: | TL282040 (off the Ridgeway) Carpark and toilets - small charge payable for parking. |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Cuffley from London Kings Cross. Regular bus service to Cuffley |
| Key Species: | White Admiral, Purple Hairstreak and Silver-washed Fritillary. Good for all woodland butterflies! There is Purple Emperor territory close to the carpark but there have been few reports of groundings |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season |
| Further information: | This is a good woodland site for White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary. There are toilets next to the carpark |
| Additional Notes: | The site is managed by Welwyn and Hatfield Council |
| Site: | Norton Green Common, near Stevenage |
| Grid Reference: | TL228227 |
| Access: | Accessed by byways south of North Green, there are several footpaths and tracks |
| Parking: | Norton Green TL229233 |
| Public Transport: | Nearest railway station is Stevenage which is just over 2 km to the east. |
| Key Species: | The area is good for many species including some specialist woodland butterflies! |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season but late June and July for Purple Emperor, Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral |
| Further information: | |
| Additional Notes: | The woodland is privately owned so please keep to the public footpaths |
| Site: | Ruislip Woods NNR SSSI, Ruislip |
| Grid Reference: | TQ083899 |
| Access: | Several footpaths and tracks |
| Parking: | Various locations including: TQ086891 (Ruislip Lido) Mad Bess Wood (TQ079896) St Vincent's Hospital (TQ095897) |
| Public Transport: | Nearest tube station is Northwood Hills, 2 km to the east, served by the Metropolitan Line of the London Underground. The nearest railway station is West Ruislip which is 2 km to the south. |
| Key Species: | Purple Emperor, White Admiral and Purple Hairstreak. Good for all woodland butterflies! |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season but late June and July for Purple Emperor and White Admiral |
| Further information: | Ruislip Woods consists of Bayhurst Wood, Copse Wood, Mad Bess Wood, Park Wood, Poor's Field, Grub Ground. It is the biggest single area of woodland in Greater London. There are toilet and refreshment facilities at Ruislip Lido |
| Additional Notes: | Ruislip Woods is owned and managed by the London Borough of Hillingdon |
| Site: | Symondhyde Great Wood, near Welwyn Garden City |
| Grid Reference: | TL199107 |
| Access: | Between Hatfield and Sandridge, north of Coopers Green Lane |
| Parking: | Small car park at the site |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Hatfield to the south-east and Welwyn Garden City to the north-east |
| Key Species: | Purple Hairstreak, Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Mixed woodland. Best part is power line wayleave north of the bridleway |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by Gascoyne Cecil Estates |
| Site: | Whippendell Woods, near Watford |
| Grid Reference: | TQ076978 |
| Access: | West of Watford, beyond Cassiobury Park |
| Parking: | Several car parks on the perimeter |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Watford to the east and Croxley on the Metropolitan Line to the south |
| Key Species: | Purple Emperor, Purple Hairstreak, Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral and White-letter Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Ancient woodland with wide rides and glades |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by Watford Borough Council |
| Site: | Wormley Wood NNR SSSI, near Broxbourne |
| Grid Reference: | TL318058 |
| Access: | Several footpaths and trails |
| Parking: | TL331064 (Bencroft Wood West off White Stubbs Lane) TL318066 (limited access) TL315046 (footpath access with restricted parking from Hammond Street, gate is locked at night)- good for the south side of the wood |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Broxbourne from London Liverpool Street. Regular bus service from Waltham Cross to Cheshunt, Hammond Street |
| Key Species: | Purple Emperor, White Admiral, Purple Hairstreak and occasional Silver-washed Fritillary. Good for all woodland butterflies! |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Part of the Broxbourne Woods complex but rarely visited by butterfly watchers. This a wood of two halves - the northern section is relatively high canopy mature woodland but the southern section, is much younger and rich in sallow and honeysuckle and as a result it is a very important site for Purple Emperor and White Admiral. |
| Additional Notes: | This is a Woodland Trust Reserve |
| Site: | Chorleywood Common, near Rickmansworth |
| Grid Reference: | TQ031962 |
| Access: | Just outside the M25 (junction 18) and south of the A404 |
| Parking: | Car parks at the site |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Rickmansworth to the south-east and Croxley on the Metropolitan Line to the east |
| Key Species: | Marbled White and Purple Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Acid, neutral and chalk grassland plus woodland |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the Chorleywood Parish Council |
| Site: | Ellenbrook Fields, near Hatfield |
| Grid Reference: | TL207086 |
| Access: | West of Hatfield Business Park and the University of Hertfordshire de Havilland Campus |
| Parking: | Car park at Notcutts Garden Centre near the south-western corner off Hatfield Road |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Hatfield |
| Key Species: | Marbled White, Purple Hairstreak and Silver-washed Fritillary |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Permissive paths on the site containing grassland and woodland at the northern end |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by Goodman UK Business Parks |
| Site: | Hampstead Heath |
| Grid Reference: | TQ263873 |
| Access: | North of Hampstead, 6km north of central London |
| Parking: | Very limited |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Hampstead Heath |
| Key Species: | Marbled White, Purple Hairstreak, White Admiral and possible Purple Emperor |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | A mixture of deciduous woodland and grassland attracting a high number of species |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the City of London Corporation |
| Site: | Mardley Heath Nature Reserve |
| Grid Reference: | TL248183 |
| Access: | East of the A1(M) west of Woolmer Green |
| Parking: | On Heath Road |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Knebworth |
| Key Species: | Marbled White, Purple Hairstreak and Silver-washed Fritillary |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Acid grassland and secondary woodland |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the Welwyn-Hatfield Council |
| Site: | Merry Hill, near Bushey |
| Grid Reference: | TQ130940 |
| Access: | Between Bushey and Carpenders Park |
| Parking: | No parking on Merry Hill Road |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Bushey |
| Key Species: | Marbled White and Purple Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Grassland and young woodland on the edges |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the Woodland Trust |
| Site: | Monken Hadley Common |
| Grid Reference: | TQ252974 |
| Access: | Between Monken Hadley in the west and Cockfosters in the east |
| Parking: | Car park at end of Bakers Hill, just west of railway |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Hadley Wood |
| Key Species: | Marbled White and Purple Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Grassland and woodland. Includes the Covert Way Nature Reserve just east of the railway containing dense woodland but with a large clearing |
| Additional Notes: | Common land vested in the Monken Hadley Common Trustees and the London Borough of Enfield |
| Site: | Oak Hill Park |
| Grid Reference: | TQ280945 |
| Access: | Between east Barnet and Southgate |
| Parking: | Car park off Parkside Gardens near the golf course |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Oakleigh Park to the west, and Oakwood and Southgate to the east on the Piccadilly Line |
| Key Species: | Marbled White and Purple and White-letter Hairstreaks |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Deciduous woodland plus some grassland |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the London Borough of Barnet |
| Site: | Panshanger Park |
| Grid Reference: | TL306125 |
| Access: | Between Welwyn Garden City and Hertford |
| Parking: | On Thieves Lane, Hertford |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Hertford North |
| Key Species: | Marbled White, Purple Hairstreak and possible Purple Emperor |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | A mix of deciduous woodland, arable farmland, mixed and wetlands |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by Tarmac Ltd., managed in partnership with the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust |
| Site: | Pishiobury Park, near Sawbridgeworth |
| Grid Reference: | TL478139 |
| Access: | South of Sawbridgeworth from Newton Drive |
| Parking: | Car park off A1184 (Harlow Road) |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Harlow Mill |
| Key Species: | Marbled White |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | A variety of grassland, wetland and woodland habitats in a parkland landscape |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the East Hertfordshire District Council |
| Site: | Stanmore Country Park |
| Grid Reference: | TQ173927 |
| Access: | North of Stanmore |
| Parking: | Car park at the main entrance off Dennis Lane |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Stanmore |
| Key Species: | Marbled White, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple and White-letter Hairstreaks |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Acid grassland and mature woodland |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the London Borough of Harrow |
| Site: | Stanwell Moor, near Heathrow |
| Grid Reference: | TQ042749 |
| Access: | Open land to the west of Heathrow Airport |
| Parking: | No car park |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Wraysbury |
| Key Species: | Purple Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Secondary woodland and rough grassland |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by various organisations |
| Site: | Trent Park, Enfield |
| Grid Reference: | TQ282970 |
| Access: | Northern edge of Enfield Borough |
| Parking: | Inside the park by the cafe |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Cockfosters and Oakwood, both on the Piccadilly Line |
| Key Species: | Marbled White, Purple and White-letter Hairstreaks |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Mix of woodland, arable farmland and grassland |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the London Borough of Enfield |
| Site: | Aldbury Nowers, near Tring |
| Grid Reference: | SP951129 (SP950137 Upper compartment) |
| Access: | Several footpaths |
| Parking: | SP949128 - layby on Northfield Road (turn left just north of Tring Station). Space is limited, but there is additional parking at Tring Station about 600m away. Warning: there have been reports of car thiefs from the layby in 2007 |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Tring (London Euston to Tring). |
| Key Species: | All chalk species but in particular Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper and Green Hairstreak. Large numbers of Brimstone butterflies. Small Blue are now confirmed to be breeding on the site. Dark Green Fritillary are now being seen on regular occasions in the summer. |
| Best time to visit: | All season but late April and May for Small Blue, Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper and Green Hairstreak. Also Chalkhill Blue and Dark-green Fritillary |
| Further information: | This is a site of two halves. Walk across the field from the layby to the immediate grassland slopes. These compartments are good for all species although Grizzled Skipper are rarely encountered. Walk through the site and take the Ridgeway path towards Pitstone Hill, the furthest compartment is some distance up the steep path just before the path opens onto Pitstone Hill. The slopes here are very steep and great care must be taken. All species are present in this compartment including Grizzled Skipper although they can be elusive. They are most likely to be encountered at the bottom of the escarpment around a large bramble bank. |
| Additional Notes: | This is a Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust site and has recently been subject to major habitat restoration. There are some very steep slopes and strong shoes are recommended |
| Site: | Hexton Chalk Pit, near Hitchin |
| Grid Reference: | TL106299 |
| Access: | Several footpaths in the area |
| Parking: | It is possible to park on the road close to the entrance at approx TL106301. Alternatively park in the village of Hexton but take great care walking along the road. |
| Public Transport: | A bus service from Hitchin passes through Hexton |
| Key Species: | Dingy Skipper and Chalkhill Blue. Also occasional Green Hairstreak. Dark-green Fritillary are now being seen on regular occasions in the summer. |
| Best time to visit: | All season but late April and May for Dingy Skipper and July and early August for Chalkhill Blue. Look out for Dark Green Fritillary. |
| Further information: | This is one of the best sites in Hertfordshire for Dingy Skipper and Chalkhill Blue. In some years there are very large numbers of Chalk-hill Blue |
| Additional Notes: | This is a Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Reserve. The site is close to the Pegsdon Hills (Bedfordshire) and could form part of a longer visit to the area. |
| Site: | Roughdown Common, near Hemel Hempstead |
| Grid Reference: | TL026055 |
| Access: | West of Hemel Hempstead (Box Moor Trust Centre) |
| Parking: | Small car park at Westbrook Hay |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Hemel Hempstead |
| Key Species: | Green Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | Late April and May |
| Further information: | Chalk grassland. Small Blue colonies just a few metres on the northern side of the A41 at Bourne End |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the Boxmoor Trust |
| Site: | Therfield Heath, Royston |
| Grid Reference: | TL343402 |
| Access: | Several footpaths across the Heath |
| Parking: | TL347406 Sports Pavillion Carpark or TL336402 off the Baldock Road, towards Therfield |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Royston (London Kings Cross to Cambridge). |
| Key Species: | All chalk grassland species - in particular Chalkhill Blue and recently Dark Green Fritillary. |
| Best time to visit: | All season but July and early August for Chalkhill Blue |
| Further information: | The site covers a large area and butterflies will be encountered throughout. Pasque Flowers can be found in the spring. |
| Additional Notes: | The site is managed by the Therfield Heath Conservators. Fox Covert is a Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Reserve |
| Site: | Tring Park, near Tring |
| Grid Reference: | SP930104 |
| Access: | Several footpaths |
| Parking: | There are several options. Park in Tring and walk across the Park from SP925110 (by the Natural History Museum). Alternatively off Hastoe Lane at approx SP923101 or Hastoe Cross Roads at SP923094 (walk along road to wood entrance but care must be taken walking along the road). It is also possible to enter from the Wiggington side at approx SP934105. |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Tring from London Euston. |
| Key Species: | Chalk species. Also Silver-washed Fritillary and Purple Emperor |
| Best time to visit: | All season but April and May for Green Hairstreak. July for Purple Emperor and Silver-washed Fritillary |
| Further information: | This is a large site and has been one of the best in Hertfordshire for all species. The escarpment slopes are very steep and great care must be taken. The Purple Emperor can be elusive. No Grizzled Skipper have been recorded for some years. |
| Additional Notes: | This is a Woodland Trust Reserve. |
| Site: | Weston Hills, near Baldock |
| Grid Reference: | TL246324 |
| Access: | East of Baldock, west of the A505 bypass |
| Parking: | Car park at the southern end on Hatch Lane |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Baldock |
| Key Species: | Marbled White and possible Dark Green Fritillary |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Chalk grassland with some woodland |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by North Hertfordshire District Council |
| Site: | Alexandra Park |
| Grid Reference and Postcode: | TQ300902 - N22 7AY |
| Access: | Several walks and trails |
| Parking: | Several carparks on site |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Alexandra Palace |
| Key Species: | Urban butterflies including Holly Blue, Purple Hairstreak and White-letter Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season |
| Further information: | A good site for urban arboreal and grassland species |
| Additional Notes: | The site is owned by the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust |
| Site: | Bushy Park |
| Grid Reference and Postcode: | TQ155965 - TW12 2EJ |
| Access: | North of the River Thames surrounded by Hampton, Teddington and Hampton Court |
| Parking: | In the park near the Diana Fountain |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Hampton to the west, Hampton Court to the south and Teddington to the north |
| Key Species: | Small Copper, Small Heath, Purple Hairstreak and possible Brown Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | July and August |
| Further information: | Acid grassland and small areas of woodland. Brown Hairstreak eggs found at nearby Hampton Court Green |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the Royal Parks |
| Site: | Fryent Country Park |
| Grid Reference and Postcode: | TQ195877 - NW9 9SG |
| Access: | Between Kingsbury and Wembley in north-west London |
| Parking: | On Fryent Way near Barn Hill |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Kingsbury to the north and Wembley Park to the south |
| Key Species: | Marbled White and Small Copper |
| Best time to visit: | Late June and July |
| Further information: | Mix of meadows and hedgerows |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the London Borough of Brent |
| Site: | Kensal Green Cemetery |
| Grid Reference and Postcode: | TQ230825 - W10 4RA |
| Access: | Between the Grand Union Canal and Harrow Road, south of Kensal Green |
| Parking: | Car park on site |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Kensal Green on the Bakerloo Line and Overground |
| Key Species: | Purple Hairstreak |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the summer |
| Further information: | Flower-rich grassland and mature trees |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the General Cemetery Company |
| Site: | Mudchute LNR, Isle of Dogs |
| Grid Reference: | TQ382787 |
| Access: | Entrance gate to Reserve is on the opposite side of the road from the exit of Mudchute Station. Several walks and trails |
| Parking: | Details not known but if coming by car follow sign for A1206 Isle of Dogs |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Mudchute (Docklands LR). Bus routes: D6, D7, D8 or any service to Asda Isle of Dogs. |
| Key Species: | Urban butterflies |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season |
| Further information: | Despite its urban location 17 species of butterfly have been recorded |
| Additional Notes: | The site is managed by the Mudchute Association |
| Site: | Tower Hamlets Cemetary LNR, Tower Hamlets |
| Grid Reference and Postcode: | TQ367822 - E3 4PX |
| Access: | The main gate is situated in Southern Grove. Several walks and trails, main gates are unlocked at 8:00am and locked again at dusk/9:00pm. Kissing gates remain open at all times |
| Parking: | Details not known |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Mile End (Central, District and Hammersmith & City Line Underground). Bus routes are: D6, D7, 25, 277 and 339. |
| Key Species: | Urban butterflies including Holly Blue |
| Best time to visit: | Throughout the season |
| Further information: | An excellent urban site for butterflies - Silver-washed Fritillary made an appearance in 2006! |
| Additional Notes: |
| Site: | Bovingdon Brick Pits |
| Grid Reference: | TL004028 |
| Access: | West of Bovingdon in west Hertfordshire |
| Parking: | Limited parking in Bovingdon |
| Public Transport: | Nearest stations are Chesham to the west and Hemel Hempstead to the east |
| Key Species: | Dingy Skipper, Marbled White and Silver-washed Fritillary |
| Best time to visit: | May for Dingy Skipper. Late June and July for Marbled White and Silver-washed Fritillary |
| Further information: | Disused brick pits |
| Additional Notes: | Owned by the Boxmoor Trust |
| Site: | Waterford Heath LNR, north of Hertford |
| Grid Reference: | TL317149 |
| Access: | Several footpaths |
| Parking: | TL317149 (off Vicarage Lane) for North and South Pit TL320145 (off Sacombe Road) for the South Pit |
| Public Transport: | Nearest station is Hertford North from London Kings Cross. A Monday to Saturday bus service from Hertford to Stevenage stops in the village of Waterford |
| Key Species: | Grizzled Skipper |
| Best time to visit: | April and May for Grizzled Skipper |
| Further information: | This is probably the best site in Hertfordshire for Grizzled Skipper. The key areas are the plateau on the north pit near the railway line and the steep escarpment on the Sacombe Road side of the south pit. |
| Additional Notes: | This is a Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Reserve. Strong shoes are recommended |
