North Hertfordshire is celebrating the rich variety of wildlife found across its parks, commons and nature reserves, with ongoing conservation work helping to protect and enhance habitats throughout the district.

Marking International Day for Biological Diversity last month, North Herts Council has highlighted a range of projects taking place in local green spaces, delivered by its Green Space Team alongside the Hertfordshire County Council Countryside Management Service (CMS) and volunteer groups.

The work is designed to support native species, from birds and pollinators to wildflowers and mammals, by maintaining and improving a variety of habitats.

Recent projects have included hedge care at Clothall Common to help establish wildlife corridors for birds and insects, while volunteers at Pryors Wood in Great Ashby have installed deer fencing to protect woodland regrowth following hornbeam coppicing.

At Weston Hills and Oughtonhead Common, conservation teams have carried out fencing and infrastructure repairs to support grazing projects that help maintain species-rich grasslands. Scrub management has also been undertaken to prevent important habitats from becoming overgrown.

The council says much of this conservation work takes place during autumn and winter to avoid disturbing wildlife, although some activities continue throughout the warmer months.

Wildflower meadows remain a key focus across North Herts, providing food and shelter for pollinators and other species. Unlike ornamental flower displays, native meadows often feature a changing mix of grasses and wildflowers that evolve throughout the season.

May was one of the busiest times of year for local wildlife, with nesting birds, emerging pollinators and blooming wildflowers bringing green spaces to life across the district.

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Further biodiversity projects are planned over the summer, including wildflower surveys and the removal of invasive species from wetlands, chalk streams and meadows.

Councillor Amy Allen, Executive Member for the Environment at North Herts Council, said: "Spring and early summer are crucial times for wildlife, and with International Day for Biological Diversity taking place in May, it's a timely reminder of the role our local green spaces play in supporting nature.

"North Herts is fortunate to have a rich variety of parks, commons and meadows, with each providing valuable habitats.

"By managing these places carefully – from maintaining species-rich grasslands to protecting hedgerows, woodlands and waterways – we're helping to create connected, resilient spaces where wildlife can adapt and flourish."

Residents are being encouraged to enjoy local green spaces responsibly and can use the North Herts Council app to find nearby parks and open spaces through its 'Find My Nearest' feature.