Open all year
A 7.5 hectare Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire. It was declared an LNR in 2004 by Three Rivers District Council, and the council owns and manages the site
A Withey (willow) bed is an area where willow is grown for coppicing. The site borders the River Colne, and it has a variety of habitats including dry grassland, wet woodland, marsh and ditches. A World War II pillbox has been turned into a bat roost. Rare invertebrates found on the site are the oak jewel beetle, soldier fly, and Roesel’s bush cricket.
The Local Nature Reserve also offers a variety of habitats and supports some fascinating plants and animals, particularly birds and insects which are characteristic of swamp and fen.Â
Both of these facts help to make The Withey Beds a distinctive and valuable natural resource.Â
The diversity of habitats include wet woodland, mature standard trees, swamp, marsh, drier grassland, standing and fallen dead wood, open ditches and the River Colne. It is this diversity which provides an ideal breeding ground for migratory birds and other species.
Why is The Withey Beds called The Withey Beds?
‘Withey bed’ is an old English term used to describe the growing of different species of willow for coppicing. They once formed an important part of the local village economy; supplying poles for basketwork, thatching, firewood and many other uses. The withey beds in Rickmansworth were traditionally coppiced to provide such products and this form of management resulted in the varied habitats becoming established
There is access from Moor Lane near the junction with Sandy Lodge Road.
Public Transport Information:The Withey Beds is less than a ten minute walk from Moor Park tube station.
By Bus: There are regular buses to Rickmansworth. Contact Traveline for information on 0870 6802608.