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.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "The Withey Beds". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. 14 March 2013. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
- ^ "Map of The Withey Beds". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Wildlife at The Withey Beds". The Friends of The Withey Beds. Retrieved 25 April 2015.