Batford Springs, Nature reserve in Harpenden, United Kingdom.
The 3.5-hectare reserve contains chalk streams, ponds, grasslands, and wooded areas along the River Lea, creating multiple habitats for wildlife.
Originally established as a watercress farm in 1830, the site utilized five boreholes to maintain water flow from an aquifer until operations ceased in 1950.
The Batford Springs Volunteers, founded in 1975 as the Upper Lea Valley Group, maintain and develop the reserve through regular conservation activities.
Visitors can access the reserve from Station Road, with facilities including a children's play area, picnic benches, and a woodland boardwalk along the riverside path.
The reserve features rare chalk streams with constant 8-degree Celsius water temperature, supporting distinct fish populations and serving as a critical nursery for downstream migration.
GPS coordinates: 51.82280,-0.33866
Latest update: March 8, 2025 18:00
St Nicholas Church, Harpenden
1.5 km
Southdown Road Skew Bridge
1.7 km
Rothamsted Park
1.9 km
Marshalls Heath
1.5 km
The Harpenden Methodist Church
1.4 km
The Red Cow Public House
1.1 km
The Cross Keys Public House
1.4 km
War Memorial
1.5 km
Moat House Hotel
1.4 km
The Old Bell Public House
2 km
Marquis Of Grandby Public House
380 m
Wellington House
1.5 km
Mackerye End
1.1 km
Bowers House
1.4 km
The Old House
1.6 km
66, 68, 68A And 79, High Street
1.4 km
69, High Street
1.4 km
72 And 72A, High Street
1.4 km
Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, and associated gate piers and railings
1.6 km
Bennets
1.6 km
The Cedars
1.5 km
41, High Street
1.4 km
Harpenden Lodge
1.4 km
Milepost Opposite Moreton End Lane
1.6 km
Topstreet Farmhouse
1.4 km
Lea House
2 km
71, 71A And 73, High Street
1.4 km
Milepost, St Albans Road, opp. West Common
1.8 kmReviews
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