About the reserve

Blagrove Common is one of the few remaining areas of unimproved marshy grassland in Hertfordshire, earning it Site of Special Scientific Interest designation. It is bisected by a stream and varies from marshy to dry neutral grassland. The marshy areas are dominated by rushes and tufted hair grass. Among these, large numbers of early marsh, southern marsh and common spotted orchids and a variety of their hybrids can be found. The drier areas of the Common support meadow foxtail grass, common cat’s ear and common sorrel among many other species.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Early Marsh Orchid, Ragged Robin, Whitethroat.

Summer: Common Spotted Orchid, Meadow Brown, Meadowsweet, Southern Marsh Orchid.

Autumn / Winter: Buzzard, Fieldfare, Redwing.

Directions

Site entrance: The reserve can be accessed via footpath from Beckfield Lane and there are four other entrances via public footpaths around the reserve.

Access by road: From A10 take Whiteley Lane at Buckland. Follow the road round to the right, then turn left into Sandon Road. Take next left signposted Buntingford. Beckfield Lane is on the right in Green End.

Access by public transport
Bus: 331 - Whitely Lane (2.5 miles).
Rail: Ashwell and Morden (4.5 miles).