The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Hertfordshire, England

Visit the NAWT's first rescue and rehoming centre located in Watford, Hertfordshire. At the 4 & 1/2 acre site, over 400 animals are rehabilitated and rehome each year. Take a walk around this interactive centre where you can feed the animals in the kennels and catteries, visit the small animal area and say hello to resident pig Percy, then pop into Cotton Tail's cafe for a quick bite to eat.

This wetland nature reserve has something to offer everyone and will appeal to families, walkers, birdwatchers and photographers alike. With 8 hides and 3 large lagoons the reserve plays host to a variety of species such as Tufted duck, Common tern, Green sandpiper, Cetti's warbler, Kingfisher, Water vole, Fox, and most recently Black-Necked Grebe. A great place for children and families with spotter trails, and regular events, but also very popular with birders and people after a relaxing walk or some peace and quiet. The friendly visitor centre offers two classrooms, a bird feeding station, hot and cold drinks and refreshments, and toilet facilities, plus free parking for RSPB members. Opening times are every day from 9 am to 5 pm (or dusk if earlier). Please note that the reserve is closed on Christmas and Boxing Day.

Originally purchased in 1954 as a pig farm our Heydon Centre rehomes cats and small animals. Open to the Public 7 Days a week.

Paradise Wildlife Park is voted Hertfordshire’s No.1 Outdoor Attraction by Trip Advisor! Paradise is home to over 800 animals including Amur tigers, white lions, snow leopards, as well as penguins, red pandas, anacondas, sloths, lemurs, meerkats, camels, zebras, tapirs, and many more. NEW for 2021… a UK first mixed habitat for sun bears, binturongs & Asian-short clawed otters and Jaguar Jungle! The park is home to great attractions like World of Dinosaurs, one of the best animatronic dinosaur adventure trails in the UK. As well as a giant paddling pool, On Safari Adventure Golf, the ‘Rex Express’ train, and 5 adventure indoor & outdoor play areas.

Water Mill, Museum, and Nature Reserve. A working watermill with a collection of historic rural objects, open to the public on most Sundays during the summer usually free admission unless there is a special event. The adjacent Nature Reserve and car park is open most days of the year.