North Mymms Park is located between Hatfield, Potters Bar and London Colney. To the east it is
bounded by the A1(M) and to the south by the M25. The most convenient access points are at St. Mary's Church (TL223 045), and by The Grange, South Mymms at TL218 021). Much of the park is private, particularly around North Mymms House, while the area around Redwell Wood Farm is aggressively keepered. However there are public footpaths, which traverse the park.
Habitat:
There is a variety of habitat including open parkland with mature trees; four mature deciduous woods - Walsingham Wood, Cobs Ash, Redwell Wood (SSSI) and Mymmshall Wood - all of which are private; a mixed pine and birch wood -Hawkshead Wood; and a new deciduous plantation - Cangsley Grove.
Perhaps the most interesting area is Potwells - an area of secondary grassland traversed by hawthorn, elder and elm hedges, which has a good network of public footpaths. Until recently, this was an unsprayed, ungrazed area, which was subject to a late Summer mowing. Sadly, this was ploughed up in September 2003, and sown with a bland set-aside mix. It is likely that there will be detrimental effects to both flora (which includes numerous Bee Orchids and Common Spotted Orchids) and fauna.
There are cereal fields in the east of the park as you approach the A1, which still hold a few farmland birds, and there is horse and cattle pasture at the top of the scarp around Redwell Wood Farm (TL206 027).
The only open water consists of the pond near the North Mymms war memorial, a private pond near the manor house, a couple of ponds near Redwell Wood Farm, plus one or two small ponds in the woods. The upper Colne at the northern entrance to the park is seasonal, but at times of heavy rain, it can be transformed into a raging torrent. A fuller description of the land types can be found at http://enquire.hertscc.gov.uk/landscsh/Areas/area28.htm
View across the Potwells area
Avifauna:
The lack of water will restrict the number of species seen, but since 1996 a total of 95 species have been seen within the Park. A two-hour walk around the park on a calm day should produce between 35 and 40 species. Breeding birds include Hobby, Common Buzzard (probably), Little Owl, Cuckoo, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (probably), Tree Pipit, Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, and Bullfinch. Winter visitors include Lesser Redpoll, Siskin, Woodcock, Golden Plover and the occasional Stonechat. Semi-rarities at this time of year have included Red Kite, Hen Harrier and Long-Eared Owl. At migration time anything could turn up - Redstart, Whinchat, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, and Sedge Warbler have been recorded.
Other Fauna:
Fox, hedgehog, rabbit, weasel, stoat, grass snake, toad, frog and at least two bat species have all been observed in the park, and there is almost certainly badger within the private woods. The woods contain many muntjacs, and there are still a few hare to be seen. Dragonflies and hornets are common in Summer. The Potwells area and the adjacent woodland edges are particularly renowned for butterflies. These include Marbled White, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, the highest population of Gatekeeper recorded in Herts, three Skippers, Purple Hairstreak and White-Letter Hairstreak.
Species List:
Little Grebe: A pair raised two young at the pond opposite the war memorial in both 1999 and 2000. A pair was present on occasion in 2001 and 2002 but did not breed. There have been no sightings in 2003.
Grey Heron: Occasionally seen at the war memorial pond or flying over the park.
Mute Swan: Occasionally seen flying over.
Canada Goose: A pair raised seven young on the private pond behind North Mymms House in 2003. Parties are occasionally seen flying over.
Mallard: A large flock of moulting birds are regularly present at a couple of small ponds to the east of Redwell Wood Farm from July to November. Maximum counts ranged from 80 in 2000, 130 in 2001, 55 in 2002, to a peak of 240 in 2003. By January the numbers have usually fallen to 30 or less.
Tufted Duck: Recorded once at the war memorial pond in 1999.
Red Kite: A single bird has been seen twice on 14 December 2002 and 1 February 2003.
Hen Harrier: A female/ juvenile (probably the former) was flushed from a footpath near Redwell Wood Farm on 2 November 2002.
Sparrow Hawk: A pair is resident in the park. Family parties were seen in 2000, 2002 and 2003.
Common Buzzard: This is now resident in the park, with breeding suspected in Walsingham Wood in 2002, and possibly also 2003. Prior to 2001, there were just single records in December 1998, November 1999 and January 2000. In 2001 there were eight records of single birds between 16 July and 30 November. In 2002 there were 23 records throughout the year with three birds seen on three occasions, five on 11 September and a record of eight on 25 September. There have been fewer records (eleven) in 2003 with a maximum of three birds on 24 August. Sadly, one was reported to have been shot by a local keeper.
Kestrel: There are probably two breeding pairs within the park.
Hobby: Regularly seen in the park from the end of May to the end of September. Breeding was proven in 2001 when at least two juveniles were seen, and 2002 when a pair raised at least three young. There is at least one other pair in the vicinity with four adults seen hawking for dragonflies over Potwells on 30 July 2003. However no juveniles were seen in 2003.
Red Legged Partridge: Seen in small numbers on farmland and managed grassland within the park where it undoubtedly a few pairs breed. Hundreds are released for shooting to the west in the open fields around Coursers Road, and dozens can be seen around Redwell Wood Farm in early Autumn.
Grey Partridge: Was believed to be extinct in the vicinity of the park, until a covey of 22 was seen near Redwell Wood Farm on 21 September 2003.
Pheasant: Abundant, with large numbers released for shooting. Many of these are of the black plumaged variety.
Moorhen: Most likely to be encountered on the war memorial pond, where it breeds. An occasional breeder on other small ponds in the park.
Coot: A very occasional visitor to the war memorial pond - not recorded in recent years.
Golden Plover: Infrequently seen within the park itself but flocks occasionally fly over from the adjacent fields in Coursers Road, mainly in Autumn. 350 flew over the park on 7 November 1999, 200 on 4 October 2002, and 85 on 8 November 2003.
Lapwing: An infrequent Winter visitor, usually found in the cattle pastures to the east of Colney Heath.
Woodcock: A rare but elusive winter visitor that is occasionally flushed from the damper areas of woods. Reputed to breed in Redwell Wood, but no roding birds have been seen by myself.
Black Headed Gull: Present from the end of July to mid-March, occasionally feeding in arable fields to the west of the A1(M).
Common Gull: October to March visitor, usually as a fly over.
Lesser Black Backed Gull: The only gull likely to be seen in the Summer months, usually flying over in ones and twos. Small parties are seen at other times of the year.
Herring Gull: Uncommon, with only three records in 2003 - all of fly over birds.
Great Black Backed Gull: Recorded once - three flew over on 2 January 2002.
Common Tern: Recorded once in Summer 2002, flying over the war memorial pond.
Stock Dove: Quite common, particularly around Redwell Wood Farm. Undoubtedly breeds in local woods. Winter flocks can be quite sizable, with 130 being recorded on 30 March 2002, and 60+ on 15 February 2003.
Wood Pigeon: Abundant, especially in Winter when numbers are presumably supplemented by European birds. Winter counts in the park regularly exceed 200, and on 25 January 2003 it was estimated that there were around 400 birds within the park itself.
Collared Dove: Only seen regularly near human habitation near St. Mary's Church and at Redwell Wood Farm. The breeding population within the park is probably no more than three or four pairs.
Cuckoo: Regular Summer visitor that favours the Potwells area. In a good year, there may be two calling males present.
Little Owl: There are probably two and perhaps as many as three pairs present. The best areas to look are along the fence posts running from the bridge towards Home Farm, the parkland just before the land rises towards Cangsley Grove and the hedgerows to the east of Redwell Wood Farm. Two birds are often heard calling in the late afternoon in Autumn.
Tawny Owl: Relatively few records, but probably under-recorded due to its nocturnal habits.
Long Eared Owl: A roosting bird was present in scrub at Potwells from 13 to 24 March 2002. It is possible that the conifers of Hawkshead Wood might just hold a breeding pair.
Common Swift: Irregular during the Summer months. A flock of around 100 birds was seen on 3 July 2003.
Kingfisher: Rare visitor seen only outside the breeding season. A pair is regularly present nearby at Water End.
Green Woodpecker: There are at least three pairs within the park, and they are a common sight feeding in the rough grass of Potwells. Juveniles are recorded every year.
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Several pairs are believed to be present.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: A very elusive bird that is rarely seen, but it is undoubtedly present all year round. It can be encountered anywhere, but the avenue of limes leading to the church is as good a place as any to see one.
Skylark: In 2003, three singing birds were counted in arable fields on the eastern side of the park, so it still breeds in small numbers. It is largely absent in Winter, although a few might be encountered around Redwell Wood Farm.
Swallow: One or two pairs breed around Home Farm, but Swallows are only seen in any numbers during the Autumn migration. They appear to follow the west-facing Shenley Ridge escarpment - around 350 were counted passing through here over a ¾ hour period on 18 September 2002.
House Martin: Uncommon until late August when small parties pass through on migration. It is possible that the park has now lost its last colony, which was present until 2003 at North Mymms House.
Tree Pipit: Two singing males were present in the Potwells / Hawkshead Wood area in 1999 and 2000. No visits were possible in 2001 due to foot and mouth. In 2002 and 2003, only one singing male was present. It is feared that the re-sowing of Potwells in September 2003 may cause the loss of this rare Herts breeder.
Meadow Pipit: Only recorded from mid September to early April. Small numbers are present in the grassland at Potwells or around Redwell Wood Farm in the Winter months, but much larger numbers pass through on Autumn migration. Over 100 flew over the park in a one-hour period on 9 October 2001, and at least 72 were counted flying over on 21 September 2003.
Yellow Wagtail: Rare visitor unrecorded in the park outside the Autumn migration period. Recorded twice in 1999 at North Mymms Cricket Club on 5 and 12 September; a pair flew over St. Mary's church on 8 September 2000; and a party of nine was observed feeding among cattle at Redwell Wood Farm on 24 August 2003.
Grey Wagtail: Most likely to be seen in the Winter months. Breeds nearby at Water End.
Pied Wagtail: Most often seen in ones and twos in short grass near the church, or in the yard at Redwell Wood Farm. The largest party seen in 2003 was of 13 feeding among cattle dung on 4 October.
Wren: Very common in ditches and scrub.
Dunnock: Common. The maximum count in 2003 was of 11 on 21 September.
Robin: Very common, especially in Winter. The maximum winter count in 2003 was of 28 on the 25 January.
Common Redstart: Rare visitor only recorded during Autumn migration. A female / imm. Was present in the Potwells area on 11 September 2002, and again on the 13th. A male was present on the same day at Redwell Wood Farm. In 2003, a single bird was in a mature hawthorn hedge near the church on 24 August.
Whinchat: Recorded twice, both times in the Potwells area. The first was in late August 1998, the second on 11 September 2001.
Stonechat: Occasional Autumn and Winter visitor, mainly to the Potwells area.
Northern Wheatear: A juvenile was seen on 1 August 2001 at Potwells.
Blackbird: Very common, especially in Winter. The maximum count in 2003 was of 30 birds on 1 March. Summer counts are typically in single figures, and begin to increase from late September.
Fieldfare: Common Winter visitor, with occasional flocks in excess of 100 found in cattle pasture.
Song Thrush: Quite common, but can be elusive, especially from mid-July to mid-September when they disappear into the middle of the woods. An evening visit on 6 June 2003 located nine singing birds.
Redwing: Common winter visitor in variable numbers. Seen more frequently than Fieldfares, but usually in smaller flocks. A flock of 200+ passing over on 16 October 2002 was exceptional.
Mistle Thrush: One or two pairs are present, usually in the gardens to the south of the church. Two post-breeding flocks of 18 birds were recorded in September 2002 and August 2003.
Sedge Warbler: Recorded once, on 9 September 2003, in the Potwells area.
Grasshopper Warbler: A reeling bird was present in the Potwells area during the Summer of 2003.
Lesser Whitethroat: Surprisingly uncommon in the park since 2001. Probably only one pair was present in 2003.
Common Whitethroat: Common summer visitor to rough hedges and bramble patches. In 2002, a BTO Migration Watch visit counted 10 birds on 3 May. The maximum count for 2003 was of six birds in mid-June.
Garden Warbler: Undoubtedly one of the park's specialities, and numbers appear to have increased in the last two years. In 2002 there was a maximum count of seven birds (six singing), while an evening visit on 14 May 2003 produced eight singing birds. As two others were recorded previously in other parts of the park, the number of pairs may well be in double figures. They are most frequently encountered in scrub of medium height surrounding the Potwells area. Rarely heard or seen after July.
Blackcap: Very common summer visitor, with maximum counts of 11 and 10 in 2002 and 2003 respectively.
Chiffchaff: Common summer visitor from March to October. Seven singing males were counted in both 2002 and 2003, although this is undoubtedly an under-estimate, given the lack of access to large areas of mature woodland. Very common on autumn passage, when the hedgerows around Potwells can appear to be full of them.
Willow Warbler: The species' stronghold locally is in the birches and conifers of Hawkshead Wood, with one or two pairs in Redwell Wood. Ten singing birds were counted on 3 May 2002, and eight on 28 April 2003. Numbers also reach a high during Autumn migration (which typically seems to occur almost one month ahead of the Chiffchaff's). At least twenty were counted passing through the hedges of Potwells on 21 August 2002.
Goldcrest: Common in the conifers of Hawkshead Wood, and near the graveyard. Numbers seem to be highest in Autumn.
Spotted Flycatcher: A pair is regularly present near St. Mary's church and in most years a family party can be found either in the avenue of limes, or in the graveyard, by the end of August. Another pair can also be found on the northern fringes of Hawkshead Wood in most years.
Long Tailed Tit: Common resident, although the family parties seem to be smaller in 2003.
Marsh Tit: Quite common, especially on the fringes of Redwell Wood and Cangsley Grove. Rarely seen in more than ones or twos.
Coal Tit: Common in the conifers of Hawkshead Wood, and in the mature pines near the graveyard.
Blue Tit: Abundant
Great Tit: Very common
Nuthatch: Common resident, particularly in the more mature broad-leaved woodland. A family party of 5+ birds was observed on 3 June 2002.
Tree Creeper: Common, but elusive.
Jay: Common, and is particularly visible in Autumn when it is collecting acorns. The maximum count for 2003 was twelve on 4 October.
Magpie: Common, particularly where livestock is grazing. The maximum count for 2003 was of 22 birds.
Jackdaw: There is a resident flock of around 40 birds at St.Mary's Church. However, winter flocks can occasionally exceed 100, especially around Redwell Wood Farm, where it mixes freely with other corvids.
Rook: Uncommon - in most of the park, it is rarely recorded, except as a fly over. The only records of 50+ come from Redwell Wood Farm in the January/ February period.
Carrion Crow:There seems to be a population of 25-30 crows resident within the park, with larger flocks sometimes seen outside the breeding season.
Starling: From mid-March to mid-September, the Starling is virtually absent from the park. Only two three figure flocks have been recorded in the last three years. 150+ were recorded on 6 January 2001, and 150 were feeding in cattle pasture with a smaller number of Fieldfares on 31 January 2002. No flocks in excess of 50 have been recorded in 2003.
House Sparrow: Rare. Only three records for the whole of 2003 - all from Redwell Wood Farm in September / October, with a maximum of four individuals.
Tree Sparrow: One over Redwell Wood Farm on 22 April 2002 is the only record.
Chaffinch: Very common, especially in winter, when flocks of 20-50 birds are commonly encountered. Particularly common around maize fields.
Brambling: Only one record - a male with chaffinches to the east of Redwell Wood Farm on 25 October 2001.
Greenfinch: Small numbers, rarely in double figures, can be found near to human habitation. Absent from most of the park.
Goldfinch: Present in small numbers, although it seems to disappear during the Spring, with few records from the end of March to mid-June. Maximum flock sizes recorded were 28 on 22 July 2000, and 60 on 17 March 2002. The largest flock recorded in 2003 was 18 at Redwell Wood Farm on 26 September.
Siskin: Small numbers can be seen throughout the year, except mid-May to mid-September. Flocks of more than a dozen birds are unusual - possibly due to the dearth of their favoured alders within the park.
Linnet: A few pairs breed on farmland on the fringes of the park. It is most frequently found in small flocks of 5-30 birds from August to October. In winter it can be largely absent unless stubble or set-aside is available. In February- March 2003, a flock of 40-60 Linnets was regularly seen on stubble to the south of North Mymms House. The largest flock recorded in the park was of approx. 110 birds on recently ploughed arable land adjacent to the A1(M) on 4 October 2003.
Lesser Redpoll: Numbers seem to be very variable from one winter to another. Numbers were particularly high in the winter of 2001-02, with approx. 50 recorded on 18 January 2002, and 45 on 14 April 2002. Numbers were much reduced the following winter, with a maximum of 35 on 2 November, and only two records for the first half of 2003. Redpolls particularly favour the area of birch scrub on the north edge of Hawkshead Wood.
Common Crossbill: In 1997, a party of around 15 birds were seen on several occasions between July and November. Since then the only records have been of one flying over on 1 November 2001, and six or more birds in Hawkshead Wood on 19 July 2002.
Bullfinch: Quite common in the hedgerows of Potwells. Up to eight birds were recorded in 2001 and 2002, with a maximum of six in 2003.
Hawfinch: One record of a pair on 1 July 2002.
Yellowhammer: Only two records of more than a dozen birds in the last three years. 30+ were recorded at Redwell Wood Farm on 2 January 2002, and approx 30 were at the same site on 15 February 2003. In 2003 singing birds were recorded on arable land to the east of the park (3), and at Redwell Wood Farm (1).
Reed Bunting: One record from North Mymms Cricket Club in November 1998.
Finally, a reputable observer (Lee Marshall) recorded a Goshawk in the park at some time in the 90's. Cormorant may have been seen as a fly-over but was not noted.
