Spring progresses, and the snowdrops fade. However, look out for the blue blooms of the tentatively identified Siberian Squill. We welcome any corrections on that identification (is it actually a very early bluebell?).
More spring flowers
2025 AGM Minutes
The Friends of Bernards Heath held their 2025 AGM on Saturday the 1st of February at the Jolly Sailor. Many thanks to patron Paul for hosting us, and to all who attended. Please find the minutes below and contact us with any queries.
Topics addressed included:
- Update on the possible development on the heath
- possible changes to the Pioneer Club
- review of FOBH activities: playground developments, picnic celebrations, maintenance…
- a look ahead to 2025
Spring 2025
Spring is arriving at Bernards Heath, please enjoy these photos from our local team.
Petition: Improve safety for pedestrians in the Bernards Heath community!
There is currently (November 2024) a petition up on Change.org with the aim of improving road safety in Bernards Heath. The petition is organised in association with the Bernards Heath Schools – please offer your support.
You can find out more or sign the petition here
Or contact the organisers with your experiences at roadsafety@bernardsheath.herts.sch.uk
A rescued Pear tree on SRW
FOBH Tree Warden, Roger Miles, has spent years tending Bernards Heath and the Sandridge Road Wastes (SRW), including a multi-year effort to rescue a pear tree. Before 2017, he spotted an ornamental pear on the eastern side of the SRW which was growing at a jaunty angle.
His careful work over the last seven years has resulted in a vigorous and upright tree which is now a credit to the area.
Our thanks to Roger for his continuous, and often under noticed, work conserving our local flora.
Join us, and help protect your green space!
Your opinion counts, so please join us. £10 per year will help to protect, preserve and enhance the Heath for all.
Membership provides you with:
- a forum to express your opinions about the Heath;
- representation to the council, as FoBH meet regularly with the local organisations;
- news and updates on what is happening in your community;
- and an opportunity to help preserve the Heath for our neighbourhood and it for future generations.
Find out more at Joining FoBH
Air Ambulance helicopter lands on Bernards Heath
The local air ambulance landed on the upper field of Bernards Heath on the 13th of July to attend a collision on Harpenden Road.
Locals directed them to the scene, and Harpenden Road was closed in both directions. Sadly, it appears to have been a pedestrian vs car requiring the attendance of numerous emergency vehicles
Police are asking anyone with dash cam footage in the area at the time. The HertsAdvertiser reported: “PC Ryan Moore from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit, said: ‘Our enquiries are continuing, and I am urging anyone with information to please get in touch.’
“’Were you driving in the area at the time and saw what happened? Additionally, if you have a dash cam fitted and were in the area, please check it as you may have recorded some crucial footage to assist our investigation. If you also saw the orange Aygo prior to the collision, please get in touch.'”
If you do have any information, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
Gallery exhibition for local painter
Marks & Tilt Gallery will be exhibiting the works of Michael Cull, a FoBH member, this month. The launch party will take place on July 18th @ 6-9pm. There will be an opportunity meet the artist, along with free drinks & nibbles.
Nick, the Gallery Manager, noted that Michael “is an artist that we should all be celebrating … We really hope you can make it.”
Marks & Tilt Gallery, 18 London Road, AL1 1NG. July 12 – August 7 2024.
25th Anniversary Community picnic
Many thanks to all those who turned out to celebrate on the 12th of May. The weather was gorgeous, and hundreds of families enjoyed the organised activities, including the treasure hunt.
Please sign up to news & updates about your local heath, and help us to conserve our green spaces. Join before 5pm on Saturday 18th May 2024 & be in to win a bottle of Prosecco
Newsletters arrive quarterly, or with exciting/urgent updates.
Bluebell season again
Those of you spending time on the Heath or in Beech Bottom Dyke will have seen the Bluebells popping up as a lovely reminder of the season. Below are a few photos to enjoy, courtesy of Mary North.
