Seven ancient woodlands and local communities in the region are set to benefit from Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s Ancient Astonbury and Wilder Woodlands project, thanks to National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

In England, ancient woodland is categorised as ‘ancient’ if it has existed since 1600 AD. Many centuries of undisturbed soil make this habitat extremely rich in biodiversity, providing food, shelter and breeding sites for wildlife. It is also vital for humans too; ancient woodlands store substantial amounts of carbon – a significant factor in the fight against climate change. The Trust’s State of Nature 2020 report shows that just 4% of Hertfordshire’s landmass is classed as ancient woodland, and with 35% of species associated with woodland having noticeably declined since 1970, it is essential that these sites are protected and adopted by their local communities.

One of our favourite native species associated with ancient woodland habitat - the Bluebell, is under under threat from climate change. A hugely popular sight at this time of year, the species thrives in a mild maritime climate - one with mild winters and warm summers - and despite the UK having the largest populations of the species worldwide, our warming climate is not conducive to their survival. Natural England's Climate Change Adaptation Manual Second Edition 2020 classifies Bluebells as 'High' in relation to Climate Change Sensitivity and summarises that the species "may be at significant risk from climate change in southern and central England."

Astonbury Wood, a 54-acre woodland situated near Stevenage and carpeted with Bluebells in the spring, is one of the Trust’s newest nature reserves - following a major fundraising campaign, the charity purchased the long-term lease from Hertfordshire County Council to manage the woodland for wildlife and the community. The site is home to many wildflowers, including Wood Anemones, Primroses, Early Purple Orchids and, of course, Bluebells. The project funding will be used at Astonbury Wood to engage local people in restoring and enjoying the site, along with six of the Trust’s other key woodland nature reserves; Balls Wood near Hertford, Fir & Pond Woods near Potters Bar, Gobions Wood near Brookmans Park, Old Park Wood in Harefield, Long Deans in Hemel Hempstead and Hawkins Wood between Buntingford and Royston.

Iain Ward, Wilder Woodlands Officer at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust says:

"Thank you to National Lottery players for making this project possible. A big part of it is to connect the community to Astonbury Wood, along with our other key woodland sites, and to encourage the involvement of volunteers in their restoration and conservation. To put it into context, the Trust has been around for 60 years this year, but ancient woodland has existed since 1600 AD so it is a real privilege to be a custodian of its history and to influence its future, planning to make it more resilient to climate change and helping to protect the wildlife that call it home.”

“Over winter at Astonbury, we, together with our volunteers, have brought the glades back in to management, opening up a temporary gap in the woodland canopy to allow a greater number of plant species to thrive. As a result of this, there is already a colourful display of woodland wildflowers this spring and the Bluebells will shortly create quite a spectacle.”

“We welcome the public to experience and enjoy this wonderful sight but ask everyone to do so responsibly, to stick to the pathways in all of our woodlands and to keep dogs on leads. There’s a lot of activity in nature at this time of year and many species are breeding, plus ground flora can be easily damaged by trampling so please be considerate and give nature the helping hand it needs.”

Local residents Nick Salmon and Debs Dowie have volunteered at Astonbury Wood, they say:

"Going to Astonbury Wood at Bluebell time is an annual 'must do' for us and our friends and family. The magical sight of the swathes of colour, dappled by sunlight filtering through the vivid green leaves of spring, is something not to be missed. We are so lucky to have the wood nearby and to be able to enjoy it all year round, but the huge quantity of Bluebells always make April a memorable month in which to visit. It's great to know that the future of Astonbury Wood has been secured and that future generations will be able to share this delightful experience."

Visits to ‘Bluebell woods’ are infinitely popular. Whilst their vivid blue flowers may be seen as early as March, mid-April is prime blooming time. Here are the Trust’s top three recommendations of where to see them: 

1. Astonbury Wood

Astonbury Wood is a delightful ancient woodland close to Stevenage and a showstopper of a site, when it comes to its sweeping Bluebell carpets. As well as scenes of blue, be on the lookout for the wide variety of wildlife that thrives here – butterflies, mammals, amphibians, woodland birds and fungi abound. Tune in to the wonderful sounds of the woodland too – a wonderful choir of songbirds awaits.

2. Old Park Wood

Within a stone’s throw of Harefield Hospital, the sight of Old Park Wood carpeted by Bluebells is one that is sure to make you feel better. Indeed, a century ago, it was used by patients from the hospital to exercise as they recovered from Tuberculosis! Thought to be continuously wooded since Saxon times, Oak, Hazel, Silver Birch, Holly, Cherry, Hornbeam, Sweet Chestnut, Alder and Ash tower over the Bluebells with a canopy becoming greener by the day.

1. Gobions Wood

Gobions Wood has an interesting history, both natural and man-made. Much of the woodland is ancient and it also includes remnants of landscaped 18^th Century ‘pleasure gardens’. Locally renowned for its fantastic display of Bluebells, Wood Anemone and Wood Sorrel also thrive here.  The site is also a dream for those with a passion for fungi – with two new for the UK having been found here and over 100 which are rare or scarce in Hertfordshire.

Ancient woodland is just one of the habitats that Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is actively managing to help reverse the dramatic declines in UK wildlife, and to ensure we have a liveable planet for generations to come. For more information about the Trust’s nature reserves, along with visiting tips, go to www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves