Verulamium Park Management Plan 2012-2017 v2.1

1.2.3 Key Features
The park benefits from a wide range of features comprising ecological
interests, archaeological remains and sporting facilities. The key features are
highlighted below:
Ornamental Lakes: The ornamental lakes provide a habitat for a variety of
birds, waterfowl and bats. They are also a key visitor attraction and have
educational value.
Heronry: The Heronry is located on the larger of the two islands on the main
lake. In 2011 there were 14 nests and 38 chicks on the island. Each spring
the RSPB use the Park as one of its locations in a national event called “A
Date with Nature”. The event offers members of the public free access to long
range telescopes with a rare opportunity to view the nesting herons and other
waterfowl at the lake edge. In 2012 a remote camera was installed on the
Island that will allow visitors to view the nesting birds.
Web link to the RSPB “A date with nature” in Verulamium Park website
River Ver: The River Ver is a chalk stream and is one of the shortest rivers in
England. The river passes through the Park from the west to the east and
feeds water in to lake on its way.
Woodland: The main area of woodland is in the areas of the Roman Wall
along the Causeway and along King Harry Lane.
Spring and Summer Wild Flower Meadows: There are various areas of
grass meadow left to flower in the spring / summer to encourage wildlife and to
add to the biodiversity of the Park.
Grebe House: Grebe House is the home of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife
Trust. The charity manages an area spanning 1,900 acres, from wetlands and
woodlands to rare patches of heath and orchard. They take practical action
every day to help wildlife flourish, through the management of their 43 nature
reserves and the protection of the species that live there.
Cycle Routes: In 2012 the Council formally opened the long awaited cycle
route. The first phase of the route crosses the Park North to South linking key
green transport links within the City.
Development of phase two East to West runs between Westminster Lodge
and St Michaels began in December 2012 and will be completed by the
summer of 2013.
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