Around the Parish

As part of the 170 acres owned by Wheathampstead Parish Council, we have 8 sites around the parish that are maintained as open spaces for everyone’s enjoyment.  Devil’s Dyke, our Scheduled Ancient Monument, is on a long lease from the Ayot Estate.

There are two recognised nature reserves designated by Natural England (the Butterfield Nature Reserve and Marshalls Heath) and two County Wildlife Sites (Bower Heath and Gustard Wood).

The parish council aims to balance the needs of 1. Wildlife and Biodiversity, 2. Public Access and 3. Visual Appeal. ​​Details of the overall policy can be found here in the policies handbook and the management plans for many of the sites can be found on the relevant page on this website.

Most of our sites have a designated Ranger who monitor the area, advise the council when work is required, help to organise working parties and participate fully in revising and implementing management plans for their site.

The current Rangers are:

• Bower Heath – TBC
• Butterfield Nature Reserve – Christine Field/Mark Carter
• Devil’s Dyke – Mark Carter
• Folly Fields – TBC
• Gustard Wood – Kate Aylett
• Marshalls Heath – John Murray
• Melissa Field – Mary Cheale
• Nomansland Common – Arranged by St Albans District Council
• Rectory Meadow and Copse – TBC
• River Lea – Patrick McNeill
• Station Platform and Railway Sidings – Eddie Cornell
• The Meads and Meads Dell – Patrick McNeill