Cow Banks Wood

Wood, Forest in Hertfordshire Hertsmere

England

Cow Banks Wood

Shenley Village The tall building was the water tower to a mental hospital which has now been developed as a housing community — Shenley Village Credit: Jack Hill

Cow Banks Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Hertfordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The woodland is situated near the village of Hertford Heath and is easily accessible by foot or by car.

The wood is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, ash, beech, and birch. These trees provide a lush canopy, casting dappled sunlight on the forest floor. The undergrowth is abundant with ferns, bluebells, and wildflowers, adding to the wood's natural beauty.

Cow Banks Wood is home to a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and animal spotting. Visitors may catch a glimpse of woodland birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls. Other inhabitants of the forest include deer, foxes, and squirrels.

The wood offers several well-maintained trails, making it a perfect place for walking, jogging, or cycling. These paths wind through the trees, providing visitors with a peaceful and tranquil setting. There are also designated picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal amidst nature.

The management of Cow Banks Wood is overseen by the local authorities, ensuring the preservation and conservation of the woodland. Visitors are encouraged to follow the designated paths and respect the natural environment by not littering or disturbing the wildlife.

Overall, Cow Banks Wood is a serene and enchanting woodland that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Hertfordshire.

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Cow Banks Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.697143/-0.29338762 or Grid Reference TL1801. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shenley Village

The tall building was the water tower to a mental hospital which has now been developed as a housing community

Jack Hill

Shenley Village

The tall building was the water tower to a mental hospital which has been redeveloped as a housing community {taken from west side}

Jack Hill

Pastoral Centre Broad Colney

The complex was once a convent, built in 1899 for an Anglican order. It was sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster in the mid-1970s and became a Retreat/Conference/Training Centre with residential accommodation.

Jack Hill

Harperbury Hospital Herts

This was a mental hospital complex but has now been run down to ancillary projects

Jack Hill

Harperbury Hospital Herts

The buildings included the boiler houses and workshops. Now all run down since mental hospitals were superseded.

Jack Hill

Salisbury Hall with moat. near Ridgehill Herts

The hall and moat are visible on the map but not the museum. The building is now converted into apartments.

Jack Hill

Private House in The Avenue Radlett

It is not very often one sees evidence of a house with air conditioning. Three split units is remarkable.

Jack Hill

Porters Park Golf Club House, Radlett

The club is obviously a successful one judging by the buildings and size of car park

Jack Hill

Wood Hall Lodge in Shenley Rd /Radlett Lane

A very modest house guarding the entrance to the Hall {see next picture}

Jack Hill

A change of road name

The mirror confirms that the two signs are opposite the Wood Hall Lodge.

Jack Hill

The Cottages at Shenleybury

This group of houses was erected for workers at the adjoining hospital

Jack Hill

Cemetery at Shenleybury

The tall planting is in fact rampant weeds which are ignored by the grass cutting gang. {Not our patch mate}

Jack Hill

Black Lion Pub Shenley.

This pub is in the old village on the opposite side of the B5378 from the "newer" village {ex hospital site}

Jack Hill

The Stud Farm in Rectory Lane Shenley

One horse was being exercised just to the left of the picture

Jack Hill

Entrance to gravel extraction workings in Harper Lane

Being a works, I have refrained from entering although there is a signed bridle track which links with the bridge over the M25 {Graffiti }

Jack Hill

Entrance to the Veterinary clinic in Harper Lane.

The buildings are sufficiently non descript as to justify me not getting out of the car.

Jack Hill

Shenley Hill Business premises.

The business is related to transport but I have no further clue.

Jack Hill

Shenley Cage and Pond

Viewed looking northwards over the village Pond, the Cage is one of the last remaining round gaolhouses in the country. Given its location outside the Queen Adelaide public house there is an ironic tablet in the wall of the gaolhouse advising passers-by to "Be Sober".

Nigel Cox

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Cow Banks Wood is located at Grid Ref: TL1801 (Lat: 51.697143, Lng: -0.29338762)

Administrative County: Hertfordshire

District: Hertsmere

Police Authority: Hertfordshire