FAQ

There is unrestricted on-street parking available on North Ride. Please be considerate to our neighbours though and ensure you do not block or restrict access to their driveways.

The Fernery is typically open 24/7 including public holidays. The Fernery may be closed on occasion for special events, or when large scale maintenance work is taking place. Check our events page or the notices section of our homepage to stay informed of any temporary planned closures.

Entry to the Fernery is completely free and open to the public year round except for our annual open day which seeks to raise money for our work and other charities we support. You can find more information regarding our open days here.

The Fernery is located in the middle of a field which is accessed via various kissing gates. The ground leading to the Fernery can be uneven and much of the garden itself is sloping with some steep steps in places. Unfortunately, we would therefore suggest that it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or for people with very limited mobility.

Dogs are very welcome however we politely ask that dogs are kept off of the flower beds. We also ask that dogs are kept leashed on short lead when moving through or close to the long horn English cattle that occupy the surrounding fields at various times of the year. The cattle graze around the Fernery as part of the parkland management programme for the wider Nature Reserve. The cattle are known for their placid temperament but they should be enjoyed from a respectful distance for the safety of both the cattle and visitors.

If you spot anything on your visit to the Fernery that looks wrong and you want to let us know please email  Emails are monitored regularly by our Committee, including weekends.

The Fernery is a volunteer led project. Volunteers usually meet weekly on a Thursday at 10am to maintain the garden for everyone to enjoy throughout the year. New volunteers are our lifeblood and always welcome.

If you are interested in volunteering please email or visit www.welhat.gov.uk /volunteering/apply-volunteer-us.

More information about volunteering can be found on our volunteering page.

Although we meet at a fixed time each week, its very informal and there is no obligation to attend each week. We have many volunteers that attend just a handful of sessions a year when they are able to, and we are very grateful to have those as part of our wider pool of supporters.

Whatever time you can give is much appreciated.

All tools and equipment are provided so just bring yourself, a pair of sturdy shoes and a drink for break time. We do work in (almost) all conditions so we’d also encourage wearing clothing best suited for the weather.

Not at all! We welcome people of all skill and knowledge levels, from total novices to experienced garderners.

We have a number of knowledgeable and highly qualified volunteers who will help guide you and all volunteer parties are led by a qualified group leader who will direct the work.

The Fernery is located in the middle of a field so there are unfortunately no toilet facilities. Our work parties are always led by at least one qualified First Aider for your safety should any accidents occur. You will advised on how to safely handle equipment and provided with appropriate PPE for the work. We work closely with Welwyn Hatfield council to uphold proper safety standards and more information can be found here.

We endeavour to accommodate any specific requirements where practical and seek to be as inclusive as possible. However, as the Fernery is a hilly location with uneven paths so is not always suitable for people with mobility issues. If you have any specific needs that you’re unsure about, please feel free to get in touch and one of our team will be happy to assist.

Donations are a key source of our funds to maintain the garden. If you wish to donate you can do so through Ko-fi, who are a trusted payments administrator. Alternatively, you can make a payment directly to our Lloyds Bank account using the following details:

The Friends of Danesbury Fernery
Sort Code: 30-98-97
Account Number: 66874760

We usually hold open days once or twice a year to raise funds to help cover our costs and to raise or for other charities we support. These events usually give people the opportunity to purchase plants, refreshments and enjoy some entertainment.