This particular story, which started in 2019 and continues today, is that of Beane Marsh and, whilst it might give us the warm and fuzzy glow that we would associate with a Richard Curtis film, this story is one of pure fact, not fiction.

In 2019, a piece of land was put up for sale not far from Hertford North Station. The five-acre wildlife gem in the heart of Hertford lies next to the River Beane, one of Hertfordshire’s rare chalk rivers and one of only 240 in the entire world – a fact that makes this habitat as rare as a rainforest. The River Beane is home to Water Voles and the floodplain grassland of Beane Marsh is host to rare marsh plants and a wide variety of butterflies and dragonflies. In all, it’s a rare and valuable habitat. The Trust is so grateful that the local community saw that and took it into their own hands to protect it when the ‘For Sale’ sign went up and they contacted the Trust to support their campaign.

Having fully assessed the condition and conservation potential of the site, the Trust was able to step forward and support the campaign, and importantly agree to be the owner and manager of the site if the funds could be raised.

So, this is a tale of how passion and action can make a big impact - of how people can make an enormous difference to the plight of wildlife. Through the ‘Save Beane Marshes’ fundraising initiative by local residents, the Hertford community and other Trust supporters went on to fundraise over £100,000 and with the help of funding from Hertford Town Council, they enabled us, the Trust, to buy the land in July 2020 and to protect it for future generations of people and wildlife – it really is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving…and benefits the wider area as Beane Marsh isn’t an island. It has a crucial connection by river to other local wildlife sites, including our nature reserves at Waterford Heath to the north and King’s Meads to the south.

Due to the nature of the reserve as a wetland site there is no public access to it. That doesn’t, however mean that the sights and sounds of this precious place are not enjoyed by its rescuers - Beane Road boasts great views over the reserve. Nor is the work of our friends in the community over.

Fencing has been installed thanks to further appeal donations from the local community and other Trust supporters. This has enabled The Trust to start a new programme of conservation grazing on the site to improve outcomes for wildlife.

The Trust owns Beane Marsh and is responsible for its care. A management plan has been drafted in consultation with the Save Beane Marshes team, with the aim to improve the site for wildlife. The plan includes a programme of activities including cattle grazing, pond creation, habitat monitoring and installation of an information sign alongside Beane Road. The Trust is taking care of what might appear to be ‘messy’ hedgerows but which provide nesting sites, shelter and food for birds and other wildlife. In tidier terms, we are keeping the adjacent footpath clear for access and cutting back areas of nettles along Beane Road when needed.

At the end of last month, a drop-in session was held to come and meet the Trust and Save Beane Marshes teams, so that those interested could find out more about Beane Marsh and our plans to enhance its biodiversity. We hope that the event and this wonderful story inspires others to realise just what can be achieved for wildlife when a community comes together and takes care of its own.

If you would like to spread goodwill to wildlife this Christmas, please consider volunteering to support wildlife in your area, making a donation to our Archers Green appeal to safeguard the future of this important wildlife site, or making a purchase from our Christmas Shop.