Waterford Heath, Nature reserve in Hertfordshire, England.
Description
Waterford Heath is a nature reserve in Hertfordshire divided into northern and southern sections, featuring open grasslands, scrubby growth, planted woodlands, and patches of semi-natural trees. Together these elements create a layered landscape with different habitats.
History
The site was once a sand and gravel quarry before being transformed into a nature reserve in the early 1990s. This shift marked a significant change in how the land was used by the community.
Culture
The northern section features the sculpture 'Changing Places' by Andrew McKeown, installed in 2000 as a permanent outdoor artwork that shapes how visitors experience this part of the reserve. The piece encourages people to spend time observing the surrounding landscape.
Practical
The reserve has multiple entry points, with the main car park on Vicarage Road and additional parking on Sacombe Road. The laid-out paths make it easy to explore both the northern and southern sections on foot.
Did you know?
The reserve is home to grizzled skipper butterflies that feed on wild strawberry plants scattered throughout the protected area. This specialized relationship between the butterflies and their food plant is part of what makes the habitat worth protecting.
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