About Amwell Hmwt Nature Reserve
Former gravel pits that have been restored to a diverse wetland nature reserve.
Amwell Hmwt Nature Reserve Description
Amwell Nature Reserve is a former gravel pit in the Lee Valley near Ware. It supports internationally important numbers of wintering wildfowl, along with outstanding communities of breeding birds and of dragonflies and damselflies. All nineteen species of dragonfly and damselfly resident in Hertfordshire have been recorded, making this the county's best site for dragonflies. These include hairy dragonfly, red-eyed damselfly and southern hawker. The dragonfly trail is open from May to September and gives you the chance to view dragonflies close up, hunting over open water.
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If you've visited Amwell this week you will have seen our autumn habitat work on Great Hardmead Lake is well underway.
The excavator work will be continue for the next 2 weeks. Therefore there will be more disturbance.
Thank you for your patience
During September we have contractors working on the reserve creating shallows, ditches, islands and pools around Great Hardmead Lake. This will benefit SPA species such as breeding waders and wintering wildfowl.
Therefore there will be some disturbance. Thank you in advance for your patience.
Willow emerald damselfly on the Dragonfly Trail photographed by Katy Smith
Free this Friday afternoon?
There are still a few spaces on our #MinibeastSafari. All welcome, book your place via the Trust's website: https://bit.ly/2NYjYt2
Photo - Bishop's Mitre Shieldbug
Do you love wildlife? Do you live near Amwell?
We are recruiting for a new Volunteer Warden to help us look after this special reserve
If you are interested or have any questions please contact Jenny Sherwen - jenny.sherwen@hmwt.org
... Find out more:
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We are looking for new Volunteer Trainee Reserves Officers! More details below, including application deadline. Please share with anyone you think might be interested. Thank you
Do you know your chaser from your hawker?
There are still spaces on this Saturday's Dragons & Orchids guided walk. Join Jenny and Tim to find out about the best places to spot dragonflies and damselflies at Amwell.
Please book your place via our website. https://bit.ly/2Jmsz6g @HMWTBadger
... (Photo - David Gompertz)
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Please note the Gladwin Hide is now closed for the summer due to nesting swallows.
Thank you for your patience.
There are still spaces available on next Sunday's Summer Bird Walk. We will be looking out for waders and also should see/ hear common tern, cuckoo, summer warblers and hopefully some dragonflies too.
If you'd like to join us please book your place via the link below. Thanks!
#LeeValleyWaders #wheresthatwader
... (Photo - Dave Appleton)
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There is a good show of orchids already on the #DragonflyTrail. Best time to visit is late May - early June.
Our Dragonfly Trail is now open for the summer season!
Have you seen a dragonfly or damselfly yet? A few large red damselflies have been seen on the reserve already. Please share your photos with us.
#Volunteer task tommorow, continuing with willow clearance in the reedbed. This is vital habitat work that helps keep the reedbed in top condition.
There will be some disturbance. Thank you for your patience.
Amwell Nature Reserve has re-opened following the discovery of bird flu last week. Please find more information here: bit.ly/2GaJ18j
IMPORTANT - due to confirmed cases of avian flu at Amwell, we have taken advice from DEFRA and closed the reserve until further notice. We will update you when we have further information.
The gas main safety work adjacent to the reserve is now complete. The reserve is now fully open with no access restrictions. Thank you for your patience
The reserve was looking beautiful in the sun this morning. Highlights included 5 goldeneye and the first smew of winter
A snapshot of tonight's mini starling murmuration, a mesmerising sight to see!
250+ starlings roosted in the reedbed opposite the Bittern Pool viewpoint at dusk
Photo - Jenny Sherwen
Date for your diary - our next guided walk is our Winter Wildfowl Roost on Sunday 21st January. Book your place here - http://bit.ly/2qbClmt
Please note the Gladwin Hide is now closed for the summer due to nesting swallows.
Thank you for your patience.
There is a good show of orchids already on the #DragonflyTrail. Best time to visit is late May - early June.
Our Dragonfly Trail is now open for the summer season!
Have you seen a dragonfly or damselfly yet? A few large red damselflies have been seen on the reserve already. Please share your photos with us.
The gas main safety work adjacent to the reserve is now complete. The reserve is now fully open with no access restrictions. Thank you for your patience
The reserve was looking beautiful in the sun this morning. Highlights included 5 goldeneye and the first smew of winter