Thorley Wash nature reserve facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Channel of the River Stort before it was canalised to become the Stort Navigation
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| Area of Search | Hertfordshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 17.3 hectares |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Thorley Wash, also called Thorley Flood Pound, is a special nature area in Thorley, south of Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire. It covers about 17.3 hectares, which is like 24 football fields! This place is very important because it's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it has rare plants, animals, or habitats that need protecting.
It used to be a "flood pound" for the Stort Navigation, which is a nearby canal. A flood pound helps control water levels. In 2004, it stopped being used for this purpose. The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust bought it in 2011 to turn it back into a more natural space.
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Discover Thorley Wash
Thorley Wash is home to many different types of natural areas. You can find tall "wash grassland," which is quite rare now. There are also marshy areas and grasslands that are often waterlogged. These different habitats help many kinds of plants and animals to live here.
Plants You Might See
The site has a wide variety of plant species. Some common ones include reed sweet-grass and meadowsweet. You might also spot beautiful flowers like fen bedstraw and the lovely early marsh orchid. These plants make the area colorful and provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Amazing Animals of Thorley Wash
Thorley Wash is a great place for wildlife. Many birds choose to breed here, such as snipe and water rails. It's also home to the endangered Desmoulin's whorl snail. This tiny snail is listed in the Red Date Book, which means it's at risk of disappearing.
You can also find many different kinds of dragonflies and damselflies flying around. The site is a good home for various birds, bats, small mammals, and reptiles too. It's a busy place for nature!
Art in Nature: Wooden Sculptures
As you explore Thorley Wash, you might notice some interesting wooden sculptures. There are five of these artworks, created by an artist named Daniel Cordell. The Wildlife Trust asked him to make them in 2012. They add a unique touch to the natural landscape.
Visiting Thorley Wash
The Stort Navigation canal forms the border between Hertfordshire and Essex. Thorley Wash is on the Hertfordshire side of the canal. However, to get there, you need to cross a bridge from the towpath, which is on the eastern Essex side.
It's important to know that access to the site is only allowed on footpaths. This is because some areas have very deep, dangerous silt. Staying on the paths helps keep visitors safe and protects the delicate environment.
