On this page we list some great places to visit in Hertfordshire to see wildlife this month. The articles below give details of the wildlife seen on specific dates with photographs and access information.
Marshalls Heath Nature Reserve, Wheathampstead
Best visited in May.
This small area of acid grass heath is remarkable for its biodiversity with over 1300 species of plants and animals recorded, including more than 40 on national lists of threatened species. It is a key site for butterflies, like this Common Blue.
Tewin Meadows, near Welwyn Garden City
Best visited in May.
Take a short walk around Tewin Meadows along the river Mimram up to Marden Hill and be rewarded with great views of birds and carpets of flowers, like these Purple Flags.
HNHS member and local wildlife photographer, Steve Chilton, visited on 23 May 2009.
Balls Wood Nature Reserve, near Hertford Heath
Best visited in May.
Now owned by the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, Balls Wood is an ancient coppiced hornbeam wood. The specialty of the wood is the rare plant, Herb Paris, which is in full flower now. There are two good-sized colonies of them close to the main footpaths.
Waterford Heath, near Hertford
Best visited in May.
This nature reserve has been reclaimed from a former sand and gravel works. Its constantly changing landscape supports an abundance of floral and insect interest; including the scarce Grizzled Skipper butterfly and the Large Red Damselfly. The reserve is accessible at all times and conditions are generally easy.
Amwell Nature Reserve, near Ware for Dragonflies
Best visited in May.
The specially constructed Dragonfly Walk at Amwell NR is a delight, not only for Damselflies, like this Red-eyed photographed, but also for birds and flowers that abound in this wetland habitat.