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Amwell Quarry Nature Reserve
Amwell Quarry is part of the Lee Valley Park and consists of open water surrounded by woodland, farmland and gravel pits, all of which influence the type of birds found in the Reserve. Over 200 species of bird have been recorded at Amwell Quarry Nature Reserve since 1975.
The otter - extinct in Hertfordshire by the 1970s - was re-introduced here in 1991. Large populations of grass snake, common newt and frogs are found at Amwell Quarry - making the nature reserve attractive to mammals and birds, including the rare bittern, wintering bitterns have visited the site every year since 1995.
Highlights: Otters. Depending on the time of the year, a wide range of birdlife has been recorded here, including hawfinch, sparrowhark, treecreeper, kingfisher, woodpeckers, Grey heron, Reed bunting, Little Ringed plover, hobby, Redshank, Lapwing, Reed warbler, smew, siskin, snipe, fieldfare.
Access: There is currently no public access into the Reserve or quarry, however there are excellent views of the birds from the boundaries, and some footpaths skirt corners of the reserve.
Location: To the Amwell Walkway Access, leave the A10 at the A414 towards Harlow. On the A414, take the 3rd exit at the first roundabout onto the B181 towards St. Margaret’s and Stanstead Abbots. Take the first exit at each of the next 2 roundabouts into Cappell Lane. Continue onto Hollycross Road and after a river bridge the Amwell Walkway is on the left hand side.
Grid reference: TL374135
The otter - extinct in Hertfordshire by the 1970s - was re-introduced here in 1991. Large populations of grass snake, common newt and frogs are found at Amwell Quarry - making the nature reserve attractive to mammals and birds, including the rare bittern, wintering bitterns have visited the site every year since 1995.
Highlights: Otters. Depending on the time of the year, a wide range of birdlife has been recorded here, including hawfinch, sparrowhark, treecreeper, kingfisher, woodpeckers, Grey heron, Reed bunting, Little Ringed plover, hobby, Redshank, Lapwing, Reed warbler, smew, siskin, snipe, fieldfare.
Access: There is currently no public access into the Reserve or quarry, however there are excellent views of the birds from the boundaries, and some footpaths skirt corners of the reserve.
Location: To the Amwell Walkway Access, leave the A10 at the A414 towards Harlow. On the A414, take the 3rd exit at the first roundabout onto the B181 towards St. Margaret’s and Stanstead Abbots. Take the first exit at each of the next 2 roundabouts into Cappell Lane. Continue onto Hollycross Road and after a river bridge the Amwell Walkway is on the left hand side.
Grid reference: TL374135
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.