Turnford and Cheshunt Pits

Turnford and Cheshunt Pits is a protected natural site comprising ten former gravel excavations across Hertfordshire and Essex. The reserve contains marsh, grassland, herb-rich areas, scrubland, and woodland that create varied habitats for wildlife.

The North Metropolitan Pit was dug out during the 1940s for gravel extraction, while Hooks Marsh Lake formed in the 1970s as mining stopped. Both features now anchor the reserve's ecology and wildlife value.

The reserve functions as a place where visitors can observe local bird species and learn about how nature recovers after industrial use.

The site is accessible from Cheshunt railway station and offers a network of well-maintained footpaths and cycle tracks throughout the reserve. Wear sturdy footwear as the ground can be soft and muddy, especially in wetter areas.

Former gravel pits were filled with pulverized fuel ash from power stations, creating unexpected conditions that now support large populations of marsh orchids. This unusual recovery shows how industrial sites can transform into thriving nature reserves.

GPS coordinates: 51.70900,-0.01620

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23