A spokesperson for Hatfield Forest said: “Although many may argue that we’ve had a lovely summer, the forest and the nature it supports would disagree, and it has left us wondering what the future looks like in a warming and changing climate.”
The forest is urging the public to help protect the area by following a few key rules.
Visitors are asked not to light fires or use barbecues, to stay out of the lake and off the exposed lakebed, and not to move benches back under trees.
(Image: National Trust)
Today we had our first rainfall in what seems like a very long time.
More about Hatfield Forest
Hatfield Forest is an ancient National Nature Reserve near Takeley, close to Bishop’s Stortford and Stansted Airport.
Managed by the National Trust, it is regarded as Britain’s best surviving example of an almost complete medieval royal hunting forest.
(Image: National Trust)
The landscape has remained largely unchanged for around 1,000 years, combining open grassland, ancient coppices, veteran oaks and pollarded hornbeams.
Created as a royal hunting forest by Henry I around 1100, it was once reserved for the Crown’s deer hunting.
Today, visitors can explore its walking, running, cycling and riding trails, spot wildlife and discover historic features including the lake and Shell House.
The forest covers more than 1,000 acres and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.