Wildlife and Nature in Cassiobury Park

The land to the west of the River Gade in the park is a designated Local Nature Reserve managed by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

The nature reserve contains “parkland, scrubland, neutral and semi-improved grassland, along with acid and marshy grassland, swamp including tall fen, water-cress beds and alder woodland. In addition there are areas of open water including the River Gade, the Grand Union Canal and a number of ponds.â€

Former water-cress beds within the park have now developed into marshland and Muntjac Deer and foxes can sometimes be spotted in the woods.

46 different species of breeding birds are present in Cassiobury Park as well as 7 of the 17 bat species which are native to the United Kingdom.  More details of the birds that have been spotted over the last century have been compiled by Ian Bennell.

In 2010 and 2011 a series of wooden posts were erected around the nature reserve to provide a nature trail highlighting some of the birds and animals that can be found in the park.

More information about the flora and fauna of the park can be found on the website of the Wildlife Trust.

Sounds of Cassiobury Park

Here are some audio recordings I made in the park on a damp December morning.

Birdsong

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Middle Wier

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Between River Gade and Grand Union Canal

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Troll Bridge! (+ dog)

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Alongside River Gade (+ siren)

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Heron calling

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