Nature

There is a designated Local Nature Reserve of 27 hectares between the River Gade and the canal. The reserve is managed by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust in liaison with Watford Borough Council and Friends of Cassiobury Park.

The nature reserve contains “parkland, scrubland, neutral and semi-improved grassland, along with acid and marshy grassland, swamp including tall fen, water-cress beds and alder woodland. In addition there are areas of open water including the River Gade, the Grand Union Canal and a number of ponds.”

Former water-cress beds within the park have now developed into marshland. Muntjac Deer and Fox can sometimes be seen in the woods. Water Vole was present but in recent years, despite some protection measures, have probably been eliminated by Mink. However, pools still contain Great Crested Newt.

The park adjoins the West Herts Golf Course and Whippendell Woods. These provide different habitats and increased diversity of species.

The park is a great place for birds and bats. Over 60 different bird species can be seen in a year and 46 species have been recorded as breeding. Of the 17 bat species which are native to the UK, 7 have been recorded in the park.

The reserve is split into two sections, the Northern Reserve (shown in orange) and the Southern Reserve, (shown in purple) on the map below.

More information on the nature reserve can be found on the HMWT website.