Spring 2012 bulletin
Ariston site
Following FoBH’s representation at the Review and Scrutiny Overview last month, Herts County Council were not dissuaded from their decision to sell the Ariston site, including the lower field. However, they are aware of the strength of the local community support in maintaining free and public access “ in perpetuity” as stated ten years ago.
HCC’s timetable indicates that bids will be received by October next and the planning application will be presented to the District Council in the middle of next year. It is anticipated that building will not be completed before 2015. In the meantime, FoBH have asked to be included in discussions about non statutory provision for the Judo Club and Pioneer Youth Club for which SADC will be responsible.
Next Action Day
Sunday 11th March
Come and join us and help to clear the never ending litter and also to cut back the ivy that threatens to take over some of the trees. Bring gloves and wear suitable clothing and if you have secateurs/pruners, they would be useful too. Meet at Heath House from 9.30am.
New Leaflet
Our new leaflet is currently in production and will be delivered to every household over a wider area than previously. This has been updated and revised and will now include Beech Bottom Dyke and Sandridge Road Wastes. We hope that you will enjoy using this new version.
Forthcoming Attraction
We are planning a guided walk covering the history of the Heath and surrounding area led by one of our local experts. Come and find out what is so special about our part of St. Albans. The exact date is yet to be confirmed but is likely to be in early May. Look out for more details on the website and on posters nearer the time.
Meanwhile...
Here are a few photos to show that spring is on the way!
Please contact Peter Cook at chairman@bernardsheath.org with your views on any of these subjects.
Bernards Heath is a unique green space, close to the centre of St Albans, consisting of playing and sports fields and established woodlands that harbour a wide variety of wildlife. (Click here and here to see maps of the Heath.) It has a fascinating history dating back to pre-Roman times and is the site of the Second Battle of St Albans (1461), one of the major battles of the Wars of the Roses. In Victorian times, the area round the Harpenden Road was the site of claypits and brick making from which much of this part of St Albans is built.
In 1915 the Heath (except for the lower field) was designated as common land and saved for the public for ever. In 2001, following a campaign to prevent development of the lower field, Hertfordshire County Council, the owner, and St Albans District Council agreed that the general public would have unrestricted access to the lower field in perpetuity.
Bernards Heath is managed according to a Green Space Action Plan by a partnership that includes the District Council, the County Council, Countryside Management Service and the Friends of Bernards Heath. Most of the routine maintenance is funded by the District Council but certain special projects are funded partly or wholly by the Friends.
The Friends of Bernards Heath believe that the Heath provides an exceptional natural amenity for the locality. The Society exists in order to protect, preserve and, where appropriate, enhance the Heath for the benefit of the neighbourhood as a whole. Membership provides you with a forum to express your opinions about the Heath and an opportunity to help preserve it for future generations.
This image was taken from Google Earth® on 4 August 2009