Lemsford Springs (c) Josh Kubale

Lemsford Springs

There's a lot taking place at Lemsford Springs at the moment, all aimed at improving the habitat, but this does have an impact on access in the short term. Please be aware:

Lemsford is closed until further notice for essential work aimed at enhancing biodiversity and resilience.

This includes improving the wetland habitats, increasing resilience against low-flows and floods, and enhancing the chalk river for species like kingfishers and water vole.

This project is part of a broader conservation effort funded by National Highways and DEFRA to connect Lemsford and Stanborough along the River Lea.

We appreciate your patience and can't wait to welcome you back!

A fascinating array of habitats: shallow spring-fed lagoons, marsh, willow woodland and meadow – fantastic for winter birdwatching.

Location

Lemsford Village

Lemsford

Hertfordshire

AL8 7TN

OS Map Reference

TL 222 123

Know before you go

Size

4 hectares

Parking information

No official parking. Park in cul-de-sac next to reserve entrance.

Access

Woodland and grass paths that can be muddy in winter.

Dogs

No dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Contact reserves@hmwt.org for visiting arrangements.

Best time to visit

April to July, November to February

Habitat

Wetlands

About the reserve

Lemsford Springs contains an old watercress bed which is a valuable habitat – particularly for waterbirds, as it does not freeze in cold winter weather.

Water rail, common snipe, jack snipe, and green sandpiper may be seen from the hides, feeding on the shrimp which are abundant in the freshwater lagoons. The lagoons also support fifty species of water snail and water shrew.

Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Common frog, kingfisher, little egret, reed bunting.
Summer: Bullhead, water crowfoot, water shrew, yellow flag iris.
Autumn: Green sandpiper, siskin, teal.
Winter: Lesser redpoll, snipe, water rail.

Lean back and enjoy this virtual tour of Lemsford Springs.

Lemsford Springs Nature Reserve (https://youtu.be/ultaQKud-Z8)

Directions

Site entrance:The entrance is to the right of 11, Lemsford Village

Access by road: Leave A1(M) junction 4 and take B197, heading north past Stanborough, for one mile. Reserve is on the left hand side of the next roundabout.

Access by public transport
Bus: 36, 61 – The Sun Inn, Lemsford Village (0.1 miles).
Rail: Welwyn Garden City (1.4 miles).