• Rubbish, waste and recycling
• Rubbish that's a risk to health
• Drains and Sewers
• Streetscene
• Landscape and Countryside
  • Allotments
  • Landscaping
  • Trees in Welwyn Hatfield
  • Trees and Woodlands Strategy - consultation
  • Current Issues
  • Local Nature Reserves
    • Northaw Great Wood
    • Sherrardspark Wood
    • Mardley Heath
    • Danesbury
    • Singlers Marsh
    • The Commons
    • Stanborough Reed Marsh
    • Howe Dell
    • Oxleys Wood
  • Volunteering
  • Tree Warden Scheme
  • High Hedges
  • Ellenbrook Fields
• Dog warden service
• Community Development Team
• Unauthorised encampments
• Private water supplies
• Noise
• Bonfires and smoke
• Pest Control Treatments for Domestic Properties
• Air Quality and Public Health
• Contaminated land

Howe Dell

The stream disappears into a large swallow hole at the north end. At times of high winter water, a lake forms in the reserve, only to disappear again as the water drains away into the chalk aquifers.

Level paths lead along both sides of the reserve which is well-known locally for its bluebells. Access is from Woods Avenue, Honeysuckle Gardens or Howe Dell. The Great North Cycle way leads through the wood on the west side.  

Management

The Friends of Hatfield Woods have spent many years looking after this reserve and Oxleys Wood. Work includes litter clearance, tree and hedge planting, and wild flower surveys. The meadow is cut annually to allow wild flowers to seed.  If you would like to get involved, please visit their website.