If you’ve walked along the narrow path between the Lower Field and the Heathlands School gate you’ll be aware of several short stumps which were a trip hazard. No more – we have now removed them.
Stumps Drawn – Path improvements
FoBH funds path improvements
Mud glorious mud – if you’ve walked the paths on the Heath recently you’ll be well aware of this kind of sight where paths become a glutinous, slippery mess.
Having recently organised and part funded a new path extension to the Ancient Briton, FoBH has now brought in the same contractor to improve access to the west of Harpenden Road. The aerial view below shows where work has been done, especially between Edmund Beaufort Drive and Spinney Lane. Hopefully, this will make the latter an all-weather path, rather than the mire it was recently. The full extent of paths in this area is not shown.
On this occasion budget restrictions have not allowed St Albans District Council to support us financially even though it was agreed that the need to improve this well used amenity was very great. Therefore, following a resolution at our recent AGM, FoBH has met 100% of the cost from members’ subscriptions.
Paths on Bernards Heath
The wooded area of Bernards Heath includes an extensive network of well used paths. As many will know, several of these paths are now very muddy and slippery. They seem to be particularly bad this year, perhaps because rain has fallen with almost daily regularity in December and early January. The paths then have little chance to dry out.
Friends of Bernards Heath has been improving the paths over several years, the cost being shared with St Albans District Council. The longest, a new path extension to the Ancient Briton.
The paths have been dug to a depth of about 4 inches/10 cm and refilled with crushed road scalpings or planings. The resulting surface is much firmer than the muddy areas and drains more easily.
The sections may not always be apparent because of debris falling onto the path, but the image below shows clearly where the path surface is much improved beyond the lower muddy area.
We hope that the Council will continue to support us in our efforts to make the Heath a more enjoyable place to walk.
Fontmell/Bridle Close access update
While the unresolved problem of the sinkhole, or crown hole, has been less prominent in the news of late, activity has been focused on access for residents of Fontmell Close and Bridle close. It is still a very muddy, but at least residents have been connected to essential utilities. A shuttle service truck is shown alongside.
Access on foot has been improved by the extending the footpath from the children’s play area to the end of Bridle Close, but rain has made vehicular access a real problem.
Continue reading “Fontmell/Bridle Close access update”FoBH clears paths and removes hazards
Even at this time of year, small trees do come down on the Heath and block paths. Unfortunately, St Albans Council do not see this as a priority so they are often left for some time. A member of the Friends of Bernards Heath cleared this path as it has been blocked for some time. There may be hazards lurking in the long grass as well.
Photo: RM
St Albans Green Ring – Our statement
The section of the Green Ring that passes through Bernards Heath has been completed. The part that crosses the Upper Field was already tarmac and this has been widened to 2.5 metres.
FoBH resisted the installation of a similar path passing through the wooded area connecting the corner of the Field to Harpenden Road. This was felt to be too “urban” for the natural character of the Heath and as a compromise it was agreed this part would be only 1.5 metres wide and made of crushed stone without kerbs. Once the edges have regrown and the surface has weathered in it should not be too obtrusive. However FoBH has reservations about the sand finish which has been applied to the crushed stone. This does not seem to be ideal for a cycle path and we doubt its durability. See more about the Green Ring. Please advise any comments via Facebook, Twitter, or email by clicking the FoBH mail icon.