Broad Water Island

Island in Hertfordshire East Hertfordshire

England

Broad Water Island

Hertingfordbury Road at the junction of the A414 Turn left for Hatfield, right for Hertford (except it&#039;s not allowed). — Hertingfordbury Road at the junction of the A414 Credit: David Howard

Broad Water Island is a man-made island located in Hertfordshire, England. Situated on the River Lea, the island was created as part of the Lee Valley Regional Park, a popular recreational area spanning across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire. The island covers an area of approximately 80 hectares and is surrounded by the tranquil waters of the River Lea Navigation.

Originally constructed in the 1960s, Broad Water Island was designed as a water storage reservoir to regulate the water levels in the surrounding area. It consists of three interconnected reservoirs, namely King's Mead, Seventy Acres, and Holyfield Marsh. The reservoirs play a crucial role in managing flood risk and maintaining water supply in the region.

The island is renowned for its rich biodiversity and serves as an important habitat for various bird species, including herons, cormorants, and kingfishers. It is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with numerous species of plants and insects thriving in the wetland environment.

Visitors to Broad Water Island can enjoy a range of recreational activities, such as fishing, birdwatching, and walking along the designated footpaths. The island offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.

Overall, Broad Water Island is a unique and environmentally significant location within Hertfordshire. Its creation as a water storage facility has not only contributed to the management of water resources in the region but has also provided a valuable natural habitat for wildlife and a tranquil retreat for visitors.

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Broad Water Island Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.799822/-0.1380714 or Grid Reference TL2812. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hertingfordbury Road at the junction of the A414

Turn left for Hatfield, right for Hertford (except it's not allowed).

David Howard

Remains of Cole Green station

The platform face of Cole Green station, on the Lea Valley Walk along the trackbed of the Welwyn to Hertford railway.

Stephen Dawson

Poppy field

From the Lea Valley Walk

Stephen Dawson

Bathtime

Flying Instructors take time out to wash Piper Cherokee G-BCGI at Panshanger Aerodrome. On the right is a massive original hangar whilst the green hangar houses aircraft during maintenance. The white building on the left is the Clubhouse. The trees behind form part of Henry Wood.

Martin Addison

Mimram River Near Tewin

Taken from the bridge facing the small weir

Melvyn Cousins

Panshanger Aerodrome

The large black hangar - the paint has faded / flaked away to reveal grey and rust.

Martin Addison

WWII flight crew building?

Panshanger was originally built as a decoy airfield for Hatfield. This building appears to date back to 1940 and nature is gradually reclaiming the site beyond the active sections of the airfield.

Martin Addison

Panshanger Park

Until very recently this used to be rolling parkland with many old oaks. It is now owned by Lafarge Aggregates, who have their SE England HQ here. It seems they have been unable to resist the sand and gravel on their doorstep. This little spinney is the last island of beauty amid the ravaged landscape.

Steve Bayley

Bacon's Farm

On the other side of the farmhouse there live a flock of chickens. The eggs are sold from an honesty-box by the gate.

Steve Bayley

River Mimram

View from the B1000 Hertford - Welwyn road.

Martin Addison

Bridge over the Mimram

The River Mimram emerges from under the B1000 in Poplars Grove.

Martin Addison

Herd of Cows

Cows grazing in the Mimram valley. Standing up for fine weather - it was around 32 degrees celsius and not a cloud in the sky!

Martin Addison

Poplars Green

View towards the B1000 on the road past Panshanger Aerodrome to the A414. The trees hide the large triangular junction with the B1000 at the bottom. The field on the left has been divided into 3 with the lowest part possibly in use as a smallholding.

Martin Addison

Farmland from the Panshanger Road

A crop awaits harvesting - I believe these are oats. In the distance is Birchall.

Martin Addison

Cole Green Bypass

The A414 was rerouted to bypass Cole Green and made dual carriageway in 1993. Seen here at the junction with the Panshanger road, looking towards the B195 roundabout, where vehicles can leave the A414 for Cole Green or Birchall and Welwyn Garden City.

Martin Addison

Panshanger Junction with A414

View of the A414 from the Panshanger road. A JCB digger has just turned off the dual carriageway. He stopped a short distance further along the road to check his map - obviously on new territory. The house opposite is on the outskirts of Cole Green and is to the north of the original route of the A414 through the centre of the village.

Martin Addison

Westend Farmland

Farmland to the south of Bramfield. The oak tree in the foreground has fully developed acorns. Beyond the near boundary, the field has a new crop, possibly winter wheat, growing. The small dot near the centre of the photo is a pair of joggers on the bridleway that cuts diagonally across the field.

Martin Addison