The Breeding Birds of Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits 1967-2023
A new report, The Breeding Birds of Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits 1967 to 2023 is now available - download a copy here
Since the first breeding-bird survey of Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits (GPs) in the late 1960’s around one hundred bird species have bred on-site. The development of the gravel pits in the late 1970’s and their evolution over the next 45 years has seen breeding species come and go as the habitat has changed.
Hertfordshire Swift Nest Survey 2025
Swift are back in Hertfordshire in good numbers and Swift groups are carrying out extensive nest survey work to better understand the size of the county population and where colonies are located - and we would like your help! 
2025 Rookery Survey
Rooks nest early in the year and you may have noticed them preparing for the nesting season by rebuilding or starting new rookeries. We are again requesting the submission of Rook nest counts in Hertfordshire for 2025.
2025 Herts Bird Conference
A capacity audience enjoyed the 2025 Herts Bird Conference on Saturday 8 May, which included fascinating talks on Green Sandpipers and the Breeding Birds Survey (BBS).
Read about it here
Herts Bird Photo of the Year 2024 - WINNER
Congratulations to Paul Ward whose resplendent image of a Common Snipe at a frosty Lemsford Springs was voted Herts Bird Photo of the Year 2024 at the Herts Bird Conference on 8 March 2025.
View all ten finalists here > 2024 Bird Photo Finalists
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HNHS News
Autumn Conference and 2026 AGM - Saturday 7 November
Members and friends are warmly invited to join us for the 2026 Autumn Meeting and Annual General Meeting on Saturday 7 November at the offices of Affinity Water, Tamblin Way, Hatfield, AL10 9EZ (2-5.30pm).
The featured speakers this year are Martin Ketcher, voluntary warden of the Purwell Nine Springs nature reserve in Hitchin for 46 years and Wendy Morrison, Director of the Chilterns Heritage & Archaeology Partnership. Winners of the annual HNHS awards will be announced.
HNHS Award nominations: 2026
Members are invited to submit nominations for the HNHS 2026 Awards, which will be presented at the Autumn Conference on Saturday 7 November.
Our two annual categories are the Trevor James Award for an outstanding Hertfordshire Naturalist and the 1875 Award for an outstanding contribution to natural history in Hertfordshire. Further information – including information about past winners – can be found on this website, together with a one page nomination form that covers the main criteria.
The Hertfordshire Naturalist 2026 – contributions sought
Stuart Warrington, editor of the Hertfordshire Naturalist, is looking for for contributions to the 2026 edition.
These can be articles or observations or photos about the wildlife, habitats or geology of the county. We are happy to look at a range of content and styles, so please do consider making a contribution to our long-running journal.