This morning I visited Amwell Nature Reserve near Ware in Hertfordshire, my first visit for many years.
Amwell Nature Reserve is one of the most important places for wildlife in Hertfordshire and comprises a mosaic of habitats including reedbeds, grassland and woodland, although Great Hardmead Lake is arguably the most striking feature. The reserve forms part of the Lee Valley which connects the site with other nature reserves and habitats along the River Lee, providing a wildlife corridor stretching from Hertford to the River Thames.
During my visit, I concentrated on the viewpoint and Gladwin Hide overlooking Great Hardmead Lake and the nearby small Sheepcote Farm Lake.
My main target species were the long-staying female Smew on Great Hardmead Lake and the Red-necked Grebe on Sheepcote Farm Lake, both still absent from my 2025 UK year list.
After much scanning of Great Hardmead Lake and almost giving up, I eventually found the female Smew from Gladwin Hide although I only had a distant telescope view. However, unfortunately I failed to see the Red-necked Grebe due to the severely restricted views of Sheepcote Farm Lake which had no public access and was surrounded by dense vegetation.
In addition to Smew, I also added Red-crested Pochard, Chiffchaff and Cetti's Warbler to my 2025 UK year list.
The highlights from my visit were as follows: Smew (1 female), Red-crested Pochard (male and female), Goosander (1 female), Shoveler (c.50), Tufted Duck (c.100), Teal (c.10), Mallard (c.10), Common Pochard (4), Gadwall (2), Grey Heron (5), Cormorant (c.20), Coot (c.20), Moorhen (c.10), Great Crested Grebe (c.20 including a displaying pair), Little Grebe (4), Mute Swan (8), Canada Goose (c.20), Greylag Goose (4), Egyptian Goose (1), Black-headed Gull (c.50), Common Gull (10), Kingfisher (1), Red Kite (1), Chiffchaff (1 singing male heard but unseen), Cetti’s Warbler (1 singing male), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 heard calling), Goldcrest (1), Red Fox (1), Reeves’s Muntjac (1)
Love nature .... act now
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