Howe Dell - Woodlands and nature reserves – Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

This lovely woodland reserve in south Hatfield lies between Woods Avenue and the railway line and access is via Howe Dell or Honeysuckle Gardens.

A meandering stream lies at the bottom of a deeply incised valley clothed in woodland comprising mature hornbeam, oak and beech. 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. The Great North Way, a cycle route from Potters Bar to Letchworth, leads through the wood on the west side.

If you have time to spare and would like to help with anything ranging from path maintenance, coppicing, hedge restoration, bird and butterfly survey, please contact us.

Routine management includes tree safety works, path maintenance and litter clearance. Howe Dell meadow is cut only once a year during the autumn so that wild flowers can grow and set seed.

At all our sites we manage them with a balanced consideration to improve both wildlife biodiversity and public amenity whilst providing a safe and attractive experience for visitors.

All of our major sites have a dedicated ecological management plan which is used to help tailor the management to suit differing landscapes and habitat types.