Thorley Wash or Thorley Flood Pound is a 17.3-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Thorley, south of Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire. It was formerly a flood pound for the Stort Navigation, which was decommissioned in 2004 and converted to a more natural state.
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Thorley Wash Nature Reserve is located in the Stort Valley, there is a circular walk around the top end of the reserve which encorporates the Stort Navigation. While the paths are accessible, it's important to note that not all areas of the site are open to the public to help protect wildlife. Visitors should be on the lookout for Water Voles, which inhabit the ditches, backwater, and canal banks. These animals were reintroduced by the Wildlife Trust in 2015.
The reserve is known for its diverse bird population, particularly in spring when species such as Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Bunting, Cuckoo, and Greenfinch can be heard. Additionally, a variety of wetland flowers can be seen throughout the seasons.
Kingfishers can often be spotted fishing along the backwater. The reserve is well connected to the wider Stort Valley through footpaths that follow the River Stort Navigation, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. Parking is available on Dell Lane.
The Wildlife Trust organises guided walks throughout the year, led by knowledgeable volunteer wardens or staff who provide insights into the wildlife and management of the site. These walks can be booked through the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife...
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Quiet, clean, peaceful and serene. Enjoyed the time there and walking along side the river. Not much else there to do (I didn't see anyone fishing) but a good place to just walk and relax,...
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Lovely walk. Great place to visit. I hope to visit more often and take plenty of photos as there are lots of great...
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