Croxley Common Moor is registered as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) thanks to the rarity of its plant life. It is also designated a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in acknowledgement of the contribution local residents make to its management.

Upcoming events

We offer volunteering opportunities all year round and guided walks in the spring and summer months. Check out our events page for a full list.

Sun 10th Aug 2025, 10am

Ragwort and Thistle removal

Ragwort and Thistle removal to maintain the moors. Under certain conditions ragwort can be poisonous to livestock.

Sun 24th Aug 2025, 3pm

Litter Removal

Help maintain the Moors by keeping it a tidy a space for all to enjoy. All equipment provided, suitable for all ages.

Sun 14th Sept 2025, 10am

Scrub Clearance

Removal of bushes to encourage other plants to thrive and maintain plant diversity on the moors.

The Reserve

Whilst all around has been built on or improved for modern agriculture, Croxley Common Moor remains little changed - a wonderful untouched haven for wildlife close to Watford, and just a few miles from London. Its 100 acres of historic grassland straddle the flood plain of the River Gade. It is the action of the river scouring across the plain, combined with centuries of grazing, which has produced the rich and diverse plant life that can be seen today.

Croxley Common Moor has been registered as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the rarity of its plant life; it is also designated a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in acknowledgement of the contribution local residents make to its management. This protection is essential because there are only one or two similar river valley sites still in existence in Hertfordshire. It is legally protected for its diverse plant communities, notably unimproved (no fertilisers have ever been added) acid and neutral grassland. The site also contains a rich variety of birds and insects.

Croxley Common Moor is owned and managed by Three Rivers District Council, in partnership with the Countryside Management Service and the Friends of Croxley Common Moor. It is managed in line with its Habitat Management Plan available here.

To protect Common Moor's wildlife value, none of these activities are allowed: fires/BBQs, motor cycling, metal detecting, hunting/shooting. If you see these activities, please report to the police by phoning 101 or using Hertfordshire Police's Live Chat.