As visitors to the Lower Field will know, there has been very little ‘remediation’ activity there during July. New fences have been erected round the whole area that includes the ‘mounds’, creating an ‘inner ring’, while the original fences at the three main access points remain in place. In practice, users of the Field continue to bypass the fences at the access points, and the fences forming the ‘inner ring’ are regularly vandalised.

Very many thanks to Mick the Mower who has, voluntarily and unofficially, mown the grassed areas outside the inner ring so that people can enjoy that part of the Field.

At the time of posting this bulletin, Peter Bone of Lambert Smith Hampton has been unable to provide us with his usual monthly update. However, he tells us that he is awaiting the results of contamination tests. We will post his update on this website as soon as we have it. In the meantime, these two photos give some idea of the current situation on the Lower Field.

Please contact Peter Cook at editor@bernardsheath.org with your views on this continuing saga.

A Guided Walk round the Heath

Peter Burley, local historian and member of the FoBH Committee, has designed a circular walk round the perimeter of the Bernards Heath area and has written an accompanying guide.

There are two versions of the guide. One is just two sides of A4, including a map, and is intended for downloading and printing so that you can carry it with you on the walk. The second version, which also includes a larger version of the map, is much longer and more detailed. The idea is that you might read this before you go on the walk so that you can have a greater understanding of what you are seeing. Even if you don’t want to go on the walk, the long version is a ‘good read’ for anyone interested in the history of this area. It can be read on-screen or downloaded and printed.

To read the guides, click on ‘Guided walk’ on the main menu.

Please let us know what you think of the walk and the two guides. Email the editor at editor@bernardsheath.org

‘Cropmarks’ on the Heath

Thanks to Roger Miles of the St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society for pointing out that, in the absence of crops, the correct name for patterns of dried vegetation caused by underlying ground features is ‘parchmarks’.

Roger goes on to explain the parchmarks that have appeared on the Heath:

“There are WWII air raid shelters under the SE corner of the Heath. The access to these had to be resealed some 15 or so years ago, when it was discovered that some of the local 'yoof' were using them for nefarious purposes, like storing stolen goods.

There is a large concrete slab amongst the recently cut back laurel bushes which is probably the covered entry. The laurels were reduced when it was found that the next younger generation were in turn using them as cover for their illicit activities. Plus ça change!”

Bird’s eye view

You will have noticed the scaffolding on St Saviour’s Church, which reaches to the top of the spire. Click here to see some photos taken from the topmost platform.

Reply from Caroline Tapster

As stated in the June bulletin, Peter Cook, Chairman of the Friends, wrote at the end of May to Anne Main, MP for St Albans, and to Caroline Tapster, Chief Executive of Hertfordshire County Council, reiterating the Friends’ determination to ensure that the Lower Field remains open to the public in perpetuity, irrespective of any developments that may take place on the brownfield site of the old Ariston Works. Anne Main’s reply was in the July bulletin. To read Caroline Tapster’s reply, please click here.
A masterpiece of non-commitment!