The Mayor of Hertford, Cllr Dr Linda Radford, visited Waterford Heath Nature Reserve to officially open the new circular Chalk Stream and Heath walk.

The Mayor's visit to Waterford Heath came following the decision to make the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust one of two chosen charity beneficiaries for the forthcoming Mayoral year. Waterford Heath is one of over 40 reserves that the Trust manages and Cllr Dr Radford opened a new circular walk that takes in the best of the reserve including a stretch of the River Beane, Waterford Marsh and Great Mole Wood. The circular walk was completed in March as part of a large project of improvements funded by CEMEX Community Fund.

Waterford Heath is a wonderfully varied reserve and visitors have the chance to see birds of prey hunting over the open ground of the North Heath, dragonflies and kingfishers by the River Beane and woodpeckers and tree-creepers among the large oak, ash and hazel trees in Great Mole Wood. Butterflies can also be seen on the South Heath as visitors return to the start of the walk.

The Mayor of Hertford said: "I am very pleased to be invited to the opening of the new Circular Walk. We are fortunate to have this beautiful area with its special flora and fauna and I enjoy walking here regularly. Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust do a great job in managing and conserving it."

Lesley Davies, Chief Executive of Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said: "We are thrilled that the Mayor chose us as one of her charity beneficiaries. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work hard to protect Hertfordshire's wildlife and it is fantastic to have this recognition and support."

Andy Brown, Waterford Heath Reserves Officer, said: "We were delighted to welcome the Mayor to open our new circular walk. She took the opportunity to take a guided walk and see all the wildlife that makes Waterford Heath such a special place. We are expecting lots of visitors this summer and are particularly pleased to be able to offer a new disabled access picnic bench so that even more people can enjoy the reserve."

Group and Mayor at Waterford Heath

Design by LTD Design Consultants and build by Garganey Consulting.