The Withey Beds

The Withey Beds is 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.[1][2]

A withey (willow)[3] 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.[1] Rare invertebrates found on the site are the oak jewel beetle, soldier fly, and Roesel's bush cricket.[4]

There is access from Moor Lane near the junction with Sandy Lodge Road.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to The Withey Beds.

References

  1. ^ a b "The Withey Beds". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. 14 March 2013. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  2. ^ "Map of The Withey Beds". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  3. ^ Citing Fitzherbert, Anthony (1539), The Book of Husbandry. The Magazine of Horticulture, Botany, and All Useful Discoveries and Improvements in Rural Affairs. Hovey and Company. 1862. p. 248. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  4. ^ "Wildlife at The Withey Beds". The Friends of The Withey Beds. Retrieved 25 April 2015.

51°38′04″N 0°26′38″W / 51.6345°N 0.4438°W / 51.6345; -0.4438