Woodland gem celebrated

Residents joined the Mayor for the unveiling of a new interpretation board at the Woodhall Spinney in Shenley.

The Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Martin Saunders, was joined by parish and district councillors and members of the local community at the site in Woodhall Lane to celebrate the installation of the board which gives users of the park information about the wildlife specific to the site.

Woodhall Spinney is a linear woodland of about two hectares and has been shaped by human activities for many thousands of years.  The new interpretation board highlights the wildlife importance of the ancient woodland Wildlife Site, focusing on the species that are present such as Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Speckled Wood Butterfly and Bluebells.  It also describes the woodland's historical development and mentions the Pill Boxes, built in 1940 as part of the antitank defence in North London.

The board was developed by Hertsmere Borough Council in partnership with Shenley Parish Council, members of the local community and the Countryside Management Service. The board was funded by Hertsmere Borough Council and Watling Chase Community Forest.

To find out more about conservation volunteering opportunities at Woodhall Spinney or for further information please contact the Countryside Management Service on 01727 848168 or Hertsmere Borough Council on 020 8207 2277.