Parks and Recreation in St. Albans: Watercress Wildlife Conservation Area
The Watercress Wildlife Conservation Area was created and is maintained volunteer members of the community. It’s a quiet nature refuge located a little more than half a mile from the city centre, behind Riverside Road and adjacent to part of the Alban Way Cycle Network [map].
GeoData
The site was the formerly an orchard and watercress business started by the Pinnock family in the 1920’s/30’s. Four of the original apple trees remain and new apple and pear trees were planted by the Watercress Wildlife Association, which looks after the site, in 2001.
The four acre site contains not just an orchard, but a large pond, grassy areas, a bird hide, shaded woodland, and small section of the River LeaVer (thanks for the correction Sam!). A wide range of birds and animals can also be spotted in the park and many of these have been catalogued on the WWA’s sightings blog. My wife and daughter were even startled by a mature female deer as they turned a corner on the path that winds through the preserve.
You can help support the continued conservation of the area by joining the Watercress Wildlife Association (£10 for a household annual membership) or volunteering to work on the site. Further details on their website.
Popularity: 4% [?]
Surely it’s the river Ver not the River Lea?
I am the Reserve Manager for the Watercress Wildlife Association and must point out that there are no facilities on site (i.e. toilets) and there is no parking at the Reserve. There is only very limited parking in the area around the Reserve and residents themselves have difficulties parking because of commuter parking. Therefore we try to encourage all visitors to come to the Reserve on foot or by bicycle. And it cuts down on your carbon footprint!