The site

Mardley Heath is a large woodland covering 37 hectares. Much of the area derived from ancient wood pasture where local people grazed animals, gathered fuel and fed their pigs on acorns.

When the wood was enclosed by an Act of Parliament, it was used for growing timber. It was then sold for gravel extraction.

Birch trees and heath land species regenerated on the open sandy centre of the site, while original oak and hornbeam woodland remained around the perimeter. Some 40 hornbeam pollards remain as clues to the reserve's past. Sandy soils also provide homes for rare solitary bees and wasps.

The brief

To improve access to the site through a wide variety of different works, including:

• A new easy-access footpath
• Clearing obstructing trees
• Re-aligning barriers
• Removal of old bollards and other furniture
• Installation of new way marker posts and entrance signs
• A new ramp for easier horse access

The result

Grants to fund the project have come from Welwyn Hatfield Council, Lafarge, The Forestry Commission and Hertfordshire County Council. 

Cllr Colin Couch, executive member for environment, said: “The works will greatly improve accessibility to Mardley Heath.

“It’s fascinating learning about the biodiversity in the area, and by sign posting and creating information boards, it really opens up the space for visitors to learn more.”