What is coppicing?
A traditional form of woodland management dating back thousands of years which entails cutting an area of woodland down and fencing it from grazing animals and protecting it from deer so that it re-grows. It is then cut on a rotation – at Hatfield that is traditionally every 18 years.
Why was it done?
Historically it would have been done for building and fencing materials and firewood
Why do we continue to do it?
Because a large variety of animals and plants have evolved with the technique and so have become dependant on it. Flowering plants are able to grow after the trees are cut as sunlight is able to reach the forest floor – these attract insects and butterflies. As the coppice re-grows it becomes very dense and is ideal for certain nesting birds such as nightingales and warblers
What is pollarding?
A traditional technique of managing trees in grazed pasture. Trees are periodically cut to enable new shoots to grow at 2½ to 3 metres above ground out of reach of grazing animals.
Why was it done?
To produce firewood, and if done in summer provide leaves for fodder to supplement the feeding of the animals in the winter
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Why do we continue to do it?
Pollarded trees are a very rare habitat. Pollarding can double the life span of a tree which means they carry a lot of dead wood which is one of the rarest habitats and is home to some of the rarest insects. We are producing new pollards from younger trees to replace the old pollards when they finally collapse and die.
Why do we have cows grazing?
There has been grazing on Hatfield Forest for thousands of years. Grazing pasture produces a particular type of grassland – rich in different species of grasses and herbs. There are over 200 species of plants and many more fungi because of grazing. The cows that graze Hatfield Forest are grazed at the right density for the conservation of the grassland. Over 1000 insects can be found on a single cow-pat.
Why do we allow cars into the Forest?
We have many visitors with limited mobility and being able to drive to the lake gives them great pleasure and allows them to enjoy the facilities. During the winter months the Forest is free of cars. To ensure cars drive slowly we have 10mph speed signs, caution signs and speed humps – however there are always some drivers who will choose to ignore these measures.
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What are we doing about thistles?
Thistles have an underground root system, which means we have to control them by topping. There is only a short period when this is effective – too early and they re-flower – too late and they seed. The cows graze the surrounding vegetation, which means that our cutter only hits the thistles. We have a policy of not using herbicides because this is a National Nature Reserve.
Why are there no rubbish bins in the entrance car park?
Research has shown that on countryside properties where there are bins provided, there is more litter dropped elsewhere. We provide litter and recycling bins at the lake area for visitors because that is where most litter is generated from picnics etc, and that is where we are generating litter from food and drinks sold from the café. The cost of removing rubbish is significant so we prefer visitors to take it home.
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Is there a mailing list for events list?
No, it would be very expensive to pay postage for a mailing list – money we think is better spent on the conservation of Hatfield Forest. We therefore ask people to send a SAE so we can reduce costs. Our events are on the National Trust's main website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
Where is the site of the Doodle Oak?
The actual tree no longer exists but the site is marked on the NW corner of the Forest on the edge of Elmans Green.
Doodle Oak facts:
- 1 of 2 stoutest trees ever measured in England
- Possibly the original 'Broadoak'
- Mentioned in the Domesday Book
- Already a landmark in 1630
- 60ft in circumference in its prime
- Giraffe Pollard-cut high (Tudor practice)
- Remains of stump excavated in 1949 by Maynard Greville found 850 annual rings
- 300 people came to see it felled in 1859.
Are we allowed to have a BBQ at the Forest?
BBQs are not permitted anywhere on the forest as in the past hot ashes have been disposed of carelessly putting some of the ancient trees at serious risk of fire.
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Are there any restrictions with cycling?
Yes bicycles are not permitted in the lake area as this is the busiest part of the Forest, and also not in the Gravel Pit hollows near Elgin’s carpark due to the rare grassland and plant species associated with it.
Why is there no fishing on the small lake?
Because the lake is recovering from major drainage work undertaken in 2000 in order to improve water quality. Most fish were removed and transferred to the main lake. Birds were frequently getting caught up in line and hooks. It is therefore important to have a lake free of disturbance for wildlife.
How do I join the National Trust?
You can join at weekends with our visitor reception assistant at the Discovery Room at the lake next to the cafe between 11am-4pm or alternatively by phoning the Estate Office 01279 870678.
How many cows are there on the Forest?
120 adults split into 3 herds some with calves.
What breeds are the cows?
Breeds are mixed but include Welsh black/British white/ and Limousin.
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Where is Hallingbury Place and is it still there today?
Hallingbury place lay approx 2miles to the west of the Forest but no longer stands today.
Where is Forest Lodge and how old is it?
Forest Lodge is situated in the middle of the Forest on the central plain.The original building dates from the 16th-century.
Why is the Doodle Oak gate not near the site of the Doodle Oak?
Because the 'Doodle Oak' pub used to be opposite this gate (now a private residence).
Can I ride my horse on the Forest?
Yes but you need to join the Hatfield Forest Riding Association. Contact the Estate Office 01279 870678.
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What fish are in the lake?
Mixture includes Roach, Rudd, Tench, Bream, Carp, Pike. Perch.
Is timber and/or products of your woodland management available to buy?
Yes at our annual Wood Fair in September. Woodchips can be purchased most of the year and firewood in the winter. Sawn timber can be purchased by appointment with the Estate Office and depending on fluctuating availability. Hazel rods are available in the spring.
Can I ride my motorbike on the forest?
No because grazing cattle can knock bikes over with expensive results. Motorbike parking is planned for the future but in the meantime bikes can be left in the main carpark free of charge.
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Can I take my caravan down to the lake?
Caravans are not permitted in to the forest as we have speed bumps along the road that may damage them, they can be unhitched and left in the main carpark.
Can I walk my dog off the lead?
Dogs must be on a lead at all times inside the lake area. Elsewhere dogs can be walked off the lead but MUST BE UNDER STRICT CONTROL at all times, particularly around livestock.
Is there a closed season for fishing?
Yes we operate a closed season from 15th March - 15th June inclusive
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How much does a fishing season ticket cost?
£ 85 for the season plus a £20 returnable key deposit-contact the Estate Office. £42.50 for juniors and senior citizens.
How will the expansion of Stansted Airport effect the Forest?
Noise/visual/and overall pollution. Increased visitor pressures and those associated with increased urbanisation.
Is it possible that the Forest could become part of Stansted Airport?
No, National Trust land is inalienable which means that it would take an Act of Parliament to change.
Can I camp in the forest?
Only Scouts are able to camp on the Forest. Campsites require a licence which we do not have.
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