Information Board at north edge of Croxleyhall Woods

Image: © David Hillas Taken: 30 Aug 2021

This information board is located at the south end of All Saints Lane WD3 3AP and has the following wording: Welcome to Croxleyhall Woods County Wildlife Site An Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland. Left section Croxleyhall Woods offers over 15 hectares of ancient semi-natural woodland. In spring visitors can enjoy a carpet of bluebells, and later in the year the woods are a great spot to come and enjoy autumnal hues. The woods have two circular walks of just under 2km. With wildflowers and trees that vary in maturity, the woodland attracts a range of wildlife. Why not come and see what makes these woods their home? Today Croxleyhall Woods is managed for its wildlife. The woodland is home to some special plants such as Bluebells, Yellow Archangel and Wood Sorrel which provide food and shelter for all manner of minibeasts including woodlice, beetles and spiders. Insects also find a home in the dead wood that stands and lies within the woodland, alongside small mammals and birds that seek shelter, food and protection here. Invasive species such as sycamore are controlled which help the native trees such as oak and hazel to flourish. Middle section Map of Croxleyhall Woods and Long Valley Woods. Right section Butterflies such as the Speckled Wood can be seen along wide paths and sunny woodland edges, where higher levels of light provide flowering opportunities for the wildflowers on which they feed. The woods are managed to maintain these areas, through hazel coppicing and occasional tree felling. Bats love the old trees here. With their holes and cracks they provide the perfect site for roosting, and the ivy that climbs on them attracts the insects on which bats feed. The nationally scarce Natterer's Bat has been seen here, as well as one of Britain's largest bats, the Noctule. Keep your eyes peeled at dusk to glimpse them hunting along the edges of the woods. A leaflet with more information on Croxleyhall Woods can be downloaded online. On the left hand side is an image of the Yellow Archangel whilst on the right hand side are images of the Speckled Wood butterfly (top), and the Noctule Bat (lower). Lower left corner Croxleyhall Woods is owned and managed by Three Rivers District Council. The Countryside Management Service works with communities across Hertfordshire to help them care and enjoy the environment.

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