Amwell Lane, Great Amwell, near Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9SS
Amwell Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
7.0
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.0A former gravel pit reclaimed as a 40-hectare wetland reserve, with Great Hardmead Lake at its heart and reedbeds, grassland and woodland supporting wildlife throughout the year.
Amwell’s appeal is the transformation of a gravel-working landscape into a substantial wetland reserve, paired with practical ways to watch wildlife from lakeside viewpoints and bird hides. The Trust identifies it as one of the county’s important wildlife sites and part of a wider Lee Valley corridor.
Peaceful · Wildlife-rich
Find your way
Open mapAmwell Lane, Great Amwell, near Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9SS
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The experience
Visit for wetland scenery and wildlife watching around Great Hardmead Lake. Use the reserve’s viewpoints and bird hides, or follow the Dragonfly Trail. Path conditions and access vary; check current details before setting out.
Things to do
Watch wildlife from a reserve viewpoint
Pause at the lakeside viewpoints and look across the reserve. The Trust highlights overwintering birds, spring migrant birds and views as reasons to visit.
Explore the Dragonfly Trail
Follow the named trail through the reserve. Check current route conditions and access before visiting.
Visit the bird hides
Use the reserve’s bird hides for wildlife watching. Dogs are not permitted inside the James, White or Gladwin hides.
Take the short circular reserve walk
Local Walks describes a 1¼-mile circular option, taking in riverside walking, lakes and a viewpoint. Its stated walking time is 30 minutes; allow additional time for stops.
30 minutes walking time
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 30 minutes for the sourced short circular walk; allow extra time for wildlife watching.
Quick Escape: lake and viewpoint
- 01
Follow the short circular route described by Local Walks to reach the reserve and its lakeside viewpoint.
- 02
Pause at the viewpoint to watch for birds, then return by the circular route.
- 03
Check parking and path conditions before setting out.
Half day · Half day; exact visit duration depends on wildlife watching and route chosen.
Make a half day of it: explore the reserve
- 01
Enter from Hollycross Road or use the Lee towpath approach described by the Trust; check current access and parking details.
- 02
Explore the reserve’s lake, reedbeds, grassland and woodland, using the bird hides where permitted.
- 03
Follow the Dragonfly Trail and allow time at viewpoints to watch for birds and other wildlife.
- 04
Choose a return walk suited to current path conditions; the Amwell Lane track is described as very uneven.
Verified history
The reserve occupies a former gravel pit. Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust describes the present landscape as a mosaic of reedbeds, grassland and woodland, with Great Hardmead Lake as a prominent feature. The site forms part of the Lee Valley wildlife corridor. No further historical claims are established by the supplied sources.
Hidden details
A landscape reclaimed from gravel workings — The lake and wetland habitats are part of a landscape that was once a gravel pit. The Trust describes the reserve as a wildlife haven created from that former use.
Three habitat types in one reserve — Look for the transitions between reedbeds, grassland and woodland around Great Hardmead Lake.
When to go
· Not specified by the supplied sources; check local conditions and current wildlife information before visiting.
The reserve owner recommends visiting throughout the year and specifically notes overwintering birds and spring migrant birds.
The Trust says paths are solid and steady when dry; the track from Amwell Lane is very uneven. Check conditions before visiting.
What to look for
- 01
Look across Great Hardmead Lake from the reserve’s viewpoints
- 02
explore the bird hides and notice the changes between lake, reedbed, grassland and woodland. The Trust highlights overwintering and spring migrant birds.
The story
Landscape change: gravel pit reclaimed as a nature reserve
Best time to go
All year; winter for overwintering birds and spring for migrant birds, according to the reserve’s owner.
The Trust lists the reserve as worth visiting year-round, highlighting overwintering birds and spring migrant birds. Check current wildlife and path conditions before your visit.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust says the reserve is open at all times and entry is free. Paths are solid and steady when dry; the track from Amwell Lane is very uneven. Access is also available from Hollycross Road and the Lee towpath.
Parking
No official parking. The Trust says roadside parking on Amwell Lane may be possible, with access along the track; there is also a lay-by on Hollycross Road. Check current parking and access conditions before travelling.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Dogs are permitted under effective control on pathways. They are not permitted in the James, White or Gladwin bird hides, or around the Hollycross dragonfly trail.
Accessibility
The Trust describes paths as solid and steady when dry, but says the Amwell Lane track is very uneven. Further accessibility details are not verified; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Water
Lake, River, Wetland
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Amwell Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
