Useful links

Here are some really useful links to organisations and partners

Partners and Organisations

https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/hertfordshire-and-middlesex-branch

Butterfly Conservation is a UK-based charity dedicated to saving butterflies, moths, and their habitats through practical field conservation, scientific research, and public engagement. They manage over 30 nature reserves, monitor species to inform policy, and work to reverse the decline of threatened species.

The East of England Apples and Orchards Project (EEAOP) is a charity dedicated to preserving, promoting, and restoring regional fruit heritage across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. They protect local orchard habitats, sell over 250+ varieties of regionally specific apple, pear, plum, and cherry trees, and maintain a 270-variety collection.

The Hertfordshire Amphibian and Reptile Group (HertsARG) promotes the conservation, research, and protection of native reptiles and amphibians within Hertfordshire. As a volunteer-led group, they conduct surveys, manage habitats, and engage in public outreach to protect species like the great crested newt.

https://hmbg.org.uk/

Work to conserve bats through public awareness events, providing advice to homeowners, running conservation projects, rescuing sick or injured bats, and conducting surveys to track populations, while partnering with groups like Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to protect habitats and rare species like the Barbastelle.

https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/

A local charity, supported by people who care about protecting wildlife. It is the leading voice for wildlife conservation in Hertfordshire and Middlesex.

https://www.hercinfo.org.uk/

The Herts Environmental Records Centre (HERC), is hosted by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, and manages, analyses, and shares comprehensive data on habitats, species, and designated sites across Hertfordshire. It supports nature conservation, development planning, and research by providing evidence-based information to local authorities, developers, and the public.

The North Herts Beekeepers Association (NHBKA), a registered charity that promotes the craft of beekeeping, supports local beekeepers with training, education, and disease insurance, and manages a swarm collection service. They offer mentoring, equipment loans, apiary sites, and community education on bee-friendly gardening.

The River Beane Restoration Association (RBRA) is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit group based in Hertfordshire that protects and restores the River Beane, a rare chalk stream. It focuses on increasing water flow, improving habitats, reducing pollution, monitoring water quality/wildlife, and managing invasive species through community-led action and partnership with local councils and the Environment Agency.

The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) is a charity dedicated to saving birds, enhancing biodiversity, and restoring habitats. They manage over 200 nature reserves, influence environmental policy, conduct scientific research, and connect people with nature to combat the climate and nature emergency.

The Stevenage Gardens & Allotments Association (SGAA) supports and protects 16 allotment sites in Stevenage, managing over 950 plots in collaboration with Stevenage Borough Council. They offer services such as a members-only shop with discounted supplies, gardening advice, community events, and competitions, while promoting wildlife-friendly practices and enhancing biodiversity.

The Freshwater Habitats Trust is a conservation charity dedicated to reversing the decline of freshwater biodiversity by creating, restoring, and protecting habitats like ponds, rivers, and streams. They use scientific research and practical, evidence-based projects to build a "freshwater network" of clean, unpolluted water for wildlife.

The Woodland Trust is a charity dedicated to creating, protecting, and restoring native woodland. They plant millions of native trees annually, protect ancient woods from destruction, and manage over 1,000 free-to-visit sites for wildlife and public enjoyment.

Resources

The Green Space Strategy sets out a vision for Stevenage Borough Council’s green spaces, and the actions that we will undertake to deliver that vision over the next 10 years. It focusses on how local public green spaces such as parks, woodlands, cemeteries, wildlife sites, sports facilities will be managed going forward.

The Tree and Woodland Strategy sets out objectives for the way in which the town’s tree stock, including amenity trees, woodlands and ancient hedgerows, are managed and developed to ensure that they continue to contribute to an attractive and healthy environment for people and wildlife now and in the future.

The Hertfordshire Nature Recovery Partnership (HNRP), led by Hertfordshire County Council, develops and implements the county's Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) to reverse biodiversity decline. They secure funding, map key habitats for restoration (e.g., chalk streams, woodlands), and foster collaboration between local authorities, land managers, and residents to create a connected, nature-rich landscape.

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) Map shows the key areas for nature in Hertfordshire and areas where nature recovery action can have the most positive impact. These are areas where the creation of new habitat can join up or expand areas of existing habitat, or areas that could be enhanced for nature through changes in land management.

This strategy and map provide a guide for everyone looking to take action to recover nature in Hertfordshire, including landowners, farmers, developers, local authorities, environmental organisations and more.

The Environment Agency (EA) protects and improves the environment to promote sustainable development, focusing on regulating industry, reducing pollution, and managing flood risks. As a non-departmental public body, it manages water resources, issues environmental permits, enforces waste regulations, and responds to environmental incidents.

Natural England is the UK government’s statutory advisor, regulator, and delivery body for the natural environment, working to protect, restore, and enhance England's landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems. It manages National Nature Reserves, enforces environmental laws, provides scientific advice for development, and promotes access to nature.

The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woodlands.

Partners and Organisations

+Butterfly Conservation - Herts & Middlesex Branch

+East of England Apples and Orchards Project

+Hertfordshire Amphibian and Reptile Group

+Herts and Middlesex Bat Group

+Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

+HERC - Herts Environmental Records Centre

+North Herts Bee Keepers Association

+River Beane Restoration Association

+RSPB

+Stevenage Gardens and Allotment Association

+The Freshwater Habitats Trust

+Woodland Trust

Resources

+Stevenage Green Space Strategy

+Stevenage Tree and Woodland Strategy

+Hertfordshire Nature Recovery Partnership - LNRS

+Hertfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy Map

+Environment Agency

+Natural England

+Forestry Commission

Partners and Organisations

+Butterfly Conservation - Herts & Middlesex Branch

+East of England Apples and Orchards Project

+Hertfordshire Amphibian and Reptile Group

+Herts and Middlesex Bat Group

+Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

+HERC - Herts Environmental Records Centre

+North Herts Bee Keepers Association

+River Beane Restoration Association

+RSPB

+Stevenage Gardens and Allotment Association

+The Freshwater Habitats Trust

+Woodland Trust