including Beech Bottom Dyke and Sandridge Road Wastes
Friends of the Heath report that the path along the bottom of Beech Bottom Dyke (BBD) is blocked by a large tree. The Friends do work hard to keep the paths in BBD, and across the heath, open. However, this job is too large for the Friends to manage and has been reported to the council.
The prolonged period of low rainfall has been obvious is the grass, which has been dying on the heath since the end of May. However, the parched conditions have now claimed a more substantial victim, a young cherry next to the cycle path on the upper heath.
The tree was planted several years ago, on top of the old air raid shelter. Despite the FOBH tree warden making the council workers aware of the problem, planting continued. The tree has exceeded expectations, until now. The attached photo clearly shows the parch marks of the old shelter in the ground, with the poor tree planted on top.
A substantial brach has fallen from an Ash tree and is blocking one of the paths off Spinney Lane. The branch fell during the weekend of the 12th & 13th July and has been reported to the council.
Please let the FOBH know of any ongoing access issues.
As reported in April, there have been on-going investigations into the soil conditions on the old orchard and Ariston site areas on Bernards Heath. We believe these are linked to a long-expected planning application. Do contact us if you have any concerns.
Mid Herts. Bonsai Club will stage their annual show at the Kingsbury Barn, AL34SE. Admission is free, and includes guided tours of the historic 14th Century Barn.
A festival concert at St Saviours Church on Saturday the 14th June, run by the St Albans Folk Festival.
An afternoon of music & family activities at St Saviours Church, run by the St Albans Folk Festival.
It appears that the old orchard (the bottom, sloping field which boarders Shepards close and Heathlands school) will soon be fenced off. FOBH understand that this is to allow drilling on the site to check the soil ahead of a planning application for the site.
It is believed that there will be a planning application for up to 50 houses lodged on the site soon. For our latest information, check out our AGM minutes.
Plenty of activity on Bernards Heath as the flora and fauna wake following a long winter. The Friends planted another oak tree as part of extremely long-term planning! A young hedgehog was spotted out and about, and keep an eye out for bluebells in April.
Here are some of the lovely images captured by our spotters, please share your sightings below!
Sunday 23rd March 9:30am
Meet at Heath House, Heath Farm Lane AL3 5AE
Littler pickers and bags will be provided
