Batford Springs facts for kids
Batford Springs is a wonderful place in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, where nature thrives! It's a special area called a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's protected for its wildlife and natural beauty. This amazing spot is looked after by the Harpenden Town Council and a group of dedicated volunteers.
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Batford Springs: A Special Nature Spot
Batford Springs covers about 3.5 hectares, which is like the size of several football fields! It's a fantastic place to explore and learn about nature.
What Makes Batford Springs Special?
The most exciting part of Batford Springs is its many small springs. These springs are the starting points for clear, cool "chalk streams." Chalk streams are very rare and important rivers that get their water from underground chalk rocks. They are home to special plants and animals. The famous River Lea also flows right through this reserve. You can find open grassy areas and a peaceful small wood here too.
Exploring the Area
Besides the beautiful streams and woods, Batford Springs has a special area just for children to play. It's a great place for families to visit. You can easily get to Batford Springs from the north end of Station Road.
Who Looks After Batford Springs?
Batford Springs is owned and managed by the Harpenden Town Council. Most of the hard work to keep the site beautiful is done by the Batford Springs Volunteers. These volunteers help with everything from clearing paths to looking after the plants and animals. The St Albans City Council officially recognized Batford Springs as a Local Nature Reserve.
The River Lea and Its Fish
The River Lea runs right through Batford Springs. This river is home to many different kinds of fish, including roach, barbel, and lots of chub. Batford Springs is a very important "nursery" for these fish. This means it's a safe place where young fish can grow before they move further downstream. It's a key spot for fish all the way down to Brocket Hall. The next important fish nursery is in the River Lea near the North Lake at Stanborough Park. You might even spot a colorful kingfisher flying by, looking for fish!
Growing Bigger!
In January 2015, Batford Springs became even larger! More land was bought between Marquis Lane and Piggotshill Lane, making the reserve bigger and better for wildlife and visitors.
