Northaw Great Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Cuffley Brook with the moss covered remains of a parish boundary wall in the background
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| Area of Search | Hertfordshire |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 223.6 hectares |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Northaw Great Wood is a wonderful natural area located near Cuffley in Hertfordshire, England. It's a huge woodland, covering about 223.6 hectares, which is like 400 football fields! This special place is known for its amazing wildlife and ancient trees. It's a perfect spot for exploring nature and learning about the environment.
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Discover Northaw Great Wood
Northaw Great Wood is a very important natural space. It has been officially named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's one of the best places in the country for its wildlife, plants, or geology. The wood is also a Local Nature Reserve, which helps protect it for everyone to enjoy.
What Makes it Special?
This large area includes Northaw Great Wood Country Park, Well Wood, Justice Hill, and Grimes Bottom. The Country Park is looked after by the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. Part of the wood is even managed by Hertfordshire County Council as a special park for schools. This helps students learn about nature up close.
A Look Back in Time
Long ago, Northaw Great Wood was part of a big area called "common land." This meant that local people could use the land together. They would let their animals graze there and collect wood for fuel. This traditional use helped shape the woodland over many years.
Home to Amazing Nature
Northaw Great Wood is famous for its ancient hornbeam trees. These trees have been growing there for a very long time. You can also find other types of trees like oak and silver birch. The wood has many different habitats, which means it's home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
There are open areas called glades, and small streams and springs flow through the wood. These features add to the rich mix of life you can find here.
Protecting Wildlife
Over time, some changes in the wood have affected certain birds. For example, birds like nightingales and tree pipits, which like open woodland, have become less common. This happened because the tree canopy (the leafy roof of the forest) grew very dense.
However, there's a plan to help nature thrive again. The people who manage the wood are working to restore its "biodiversity." Biodiversity means having a wide range of different living things. They are trying to create better habitats for all the creatures that call Northaw Great Wood home.
Visiting the Wood
Northaw Great Wood is a great place to visit! You can get there from The Ridgeway in Cuffley. There are helpful facilities available, including a car park for visitors and toilets. It's a wonderful spot for a walk, a nature study, or just to enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest.
