Balls Wood facts for kids
Balls Wood is a wonderful nature reserve located in Hertford Heath, a part of East Hertfordshire. It covers a large area, about 58.5 hectares, which is like 145 football fields! This amazing place is looked after by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, an organization that helps protect wild spaces. They bought the wood from the Forestry Commission to keep it safe for plants and animals.
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Exploring Balls Wood Nature Reserve
A Home for Wildlife
The northern part of Balls Wood is filled with tall, old trees. You'll find many hornbeams, which are trees that have been "coppiced." This means they were cut back regularly to help them grow new shoots, a bit like pruning a bush. There are also ash and field maple trees.
This mix of trees makes a perfect home for many birds. You might spot great spotted woodpeckers tapping on trees or even a swift sparrowhawk flying overhead.
Plants and Insects
Balls Wood also has open paths, called "rides," that let sunlight reach the ground. These sunny spots are great for insects like the beautiful white admiral butterflies.
Many colorful wildflowers grow here too. Look out for bright bluebells, delicate wood anemones, and the unique early purple orchid.
Ponds and Water Life
The reserve has many ponds scattered throughout. These ponds are important homes for tiny creatures that live in the water, called aquatic invertebrates. They are a vital part of the wood's ecosystem.
How to Visit Balls Wood
It's easy to visit this amazing nature reserve! You can get there by walking along The Roundings from London Road. You'll pass the Hertford Heath nature reserve. Then, turn right onto Elbow Lane and finally, turn left into Balls Wood.
