With the weather taking a milder turn as the months tick by into spring, residents across Hertfordshire will be looking to head outside and enjoy the natural world.

There is a wide variety of locations across Hertfordshire to enjoy the improving weather and gain the benefits of fresh air and sunlight.

With that in mind, we've listed some great places to enjoy a spring walk across the county.

1. Claypit Hills Spring, Great Ashby

The Comet: The Great Ashby District Park must be used to reach Claypit Hills Spring.The Great Ashby District Park must be used to reach Claypit Hills Spring. (Image: Google Maps)

Towering beech, hornbeam and sweet chestnut trees can be found at Claypit Hills Spring, near the Great Ashby Estate.

Bluebells grow on the woodland floor in the springtime, and both a woodland walk and a short circular route are available.

Further information about the walk can be found at www.north-herts.gov.uk/claypit-hills-spring.

2. Heartwood Forest, near Sandridge

The Comet: A wildflower meadow at Heartwood Forest, near Sandridge.A wildflower meadow at Heartwood Forest, near Sandridge. (Image: Peter O'Connor on Creative Commons)

Heartwood Forest, near the village of Sandridge and St Albans, offers a new forest of more than half a million trees.

Pockets of ancient woodland can also be enjoyed at the site, with bluebells decorating the floors of the darker areas.

Three way-marked trails can be followed at the site including the Wildlife Wander, Magical Meander and Heartwood Hike.

3. Ayot Greenway, Welwyn Garden City

The Comet: Ayot Greenway, near Welwyn Garden City.Ayot Greenway, near Welwyn Garden City. (Image: Google Maps)

Disused railway line, the Ayot Greenway, runs from Welwyn Garden City to Wheathampstead.

The flat, traffic free path, provides views of the River Lea and Sherrardspark Wood.

The line also passes through a nature reserve, with birds and butterflies to look out for.

4. Whippendell Wood, near Watford

The Comet: Whippendell Wood features 165 acres of ancient woodland.Whippendell Wood features 165 acres of ancient woodland. (Image: Glyn Baker on Creative Commons)

Believed to be over 400 years old, Whippendell Wood offers 165 acres of woodland.

A range of activities including walking and horse riding are available at the site.

The area has been designated a 'site of special scientific interest' due to its variety of woodland habitats.

5. Therfield Heath, Royston

The Comet: Therfield Heath, near Royston.Therfield Heath, near Royston. (Image: Peter O'Connor on Creative Commons)

Another 'site of special scientific interest', Therfield Heath is a nature reserve and area of common land on the outskirts of Royston.

Therfield's chalk grassland habitat has become increasingly rare and nurtures species which thrive in the relatively dry and nutrient-poor conditions.

The area also has an archaeological history, with parts of the site thought to date back to 8,000 BC.

6. Parkfields, Borehamwood

The Comet: Parkfields and Allum Lane Spinney, at Borehamwood.Parkfields and Allum Lane Spinney, at Borehamwood. (Image: Matt from London on Creative Commons)

Located to the east of Borehamwood, Parkfields offers a number of walks, with some featuring its neighbouring Allum Lane Spinney.

Three loops are available, taking in grassland and wooded areas.

Hay from Parkfields was regularly shipped to London's haymarket to feed horses as far back as the 17th century.

7. Garden City Greenway, Letchworth

The Comet: The Garden City Greenway, surrounding Letchworth.The Garden City Greenway, surrounding Letchworth. (Image: Peter O'Connor on Creative Commons)

A 13.6 kilometre route around the Garden City estate, Letchworth's Garden City Greenway offers a leisurely stroll or cycle ride.

A number of wildlife and nature spots are located along the route and a 'Greenway code' must be followed so that all can enjoy it.

Sites such as Willian Arboretum, Wymondley Wood and Norton Pond can all be found along the route.

For further information visit www.letchworth.com/what-we-do/garden-city-greenway