Autumn 2016 cmsnews No 115 • Autumn 2016 NEWSLETTER OF THE CMS

Celebrating the Hertforshire Year of Volunteering

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The Countryside Management Service (CMS) works with landowners and communities to develop projects that enhance landscape and bio-diversity, as well as encouraging people to understand and enjoy the countryside. Welcome to our Autumn edition The service plays an active role in encouraging volunteer and local action groups to identify and become involved For the many of us who enjoy exploring contribute more time in projects. our environment on foot, horseback, cycle, to the CMS and so The CMS also provides opportunities carriage or other means it is easy to overlook we have devised roles for informal recreation through events, the humble Right of Way. Embodied in for them. Equally, for guided walks, cycle routes linking legislation since 1949, in their simplest those with less time towns and the countryside, leaflets and terms, Public Footpaths, Bridleways and or opportunity to join interpretation. Byways give us the right to pass over land these groups there are owned by someone else. Furthermore, ways to play a part Contact us: they give us the opportunity to explore our whilst out enjoying a walk or a ride. Read on Countryside Management Service natural environment, enjoy physical activity to see how you can help. Office (Car Park H) and improve our well-being as well as to Environment Department travel from A-B. As volunteers, so many people make a County Hall significant contribution to the work of , Herts, SG13 8DN Hertfordshire has more than 3000km of the CMS be that as Health Walk Leaders, Rights of Way recorded and maintained by through Friends Groups, as Conservation T 01992 588433 a specialist team working for Hertfordshire Volunteers or Footpath Friends. We E [email protected] County Council. They in turn are supported always try to say thank you in a variety of in their work by Countryside Management ways throughout each year. In the Year For further news about topics in CMS Service and our mid-week conservation of Volunteering, Hertfordshire County News and links to activities, see the volunteers. Our three teams of volunteers Council held a glittering celebration of CMS web site regularly deliver improvements to routes, volunteers, requesting nominations for a www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/cms constructing steps, bridges and kissing gates series of Volunteering Awards. Fourteen where required. These are then promoted nominations went forward from staff and The Countryside Management Service through an array of self-guided brochures volunteers for people who have made an is sponsored by Hertfordshire County found on our web site. outstanding contribution to our work and Council, East Herts Council, Hertsmere 4 were awarded runners-up. We want to Borough Council, North Herts District But there is more to be done. So that more congratulate each of the nominees but also Council, St. Albans City and District people can get involved in caring for these to say a massive thank you to all of you Council, Three Rivers District Council. shared assets CMS has just launched a range who give up your time to help improve of volunteering roles to further improve Hertfordshire’s environment and the lives of Hertfordshire’s Rights of Way. We know its residents. that some of our regular volunteers want to

2 Autumn 2016 In this issue...

Stapleford How to get there Stapleford is located around 2.5 miles north of Hertford, off the main A119 to Stevenage. Walking in Along the Beane Hertfordshire There is limited parking adjacent to the main This circular walk starts from the church and is just A119 along the High Road at the top (west end) under three miles in length, taking about an hour of Church Lane. This is a 5 minute walk from for an average walker. There is a gentle gradient the church where the walk begins. in the middle section which climbs to the top of The village has a regular bus service, stopping Church Lane where there is a rewarding view into outside the church. For travel details visit the Beane Valley and the village below. www.intalink.org.uk or contact Traveline Stapleford It follows a delightful section of the River on 0300 123 4050 (open 8am – 8pm). Beane southwards, a route which is part of the Along the Beane Other Local Walks Hertfordshire Way. The trail then ascends north Enjoy a 2.5 mile, 4km circular walk exploring the east across farmland and into Woodhall Estate. This walk is one of a series of Walking in River Beane and the Woodall Park Estate. Hertfordshire circular walk routes. 1 – 1 ½ hours walking time Page 7Beyond the circular walk Download these and other walks from Page 5 North through Woodhall Estate www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/cms Woodhall Estate, to the north and including the farmland surrounding Stapleford, has been in the same family ownership for over 200 years. It centres on the 18th century mansion let to Heath Mount New BeaneSchool. Walkers can enjoy stunning views from Hertfordshire Rights of Way which cross the estate. Some of these are highlighted on the map, overleaf. They include the riverside path to the north of Stapleford which passes through some delightful woodland, full of bluebells and wild garlic in the spring. valley walksSouth to Waterford Year of Volunteering Awards The riverside path south, beyond the circular walk, travels eventually to Waterford which is part of the parish of Stapleford and then on to Hertford via Waterford Marsh. It passes through Waterford This walk was produced by Stapleford Heath along the way, a nature reserve managed by Parish Council (www.staplefordpc. the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. co.uk) as part of the Parish Paths Partnership, a programme funded by Hertfordshire County Council.

The Countryside Management Service (CMS) works with communities in Hertfordshire to help them care for and enjoy the environment. For more information visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/cms

Page 8 Improving Walsworth Common

Page 9 Page 8 Hertsmere Page 6 Rediscovering Greenways Project Fantastic effort at at Studio Way Bishop Stortford’s past

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Right: Oliver Monaghan-Coombs, and Kim Breckon Inset below: Angela Forster

Hello and goodbye...

In August we were delighted to welcome Angela Forster Oliver Monaghan-Coombs to the team We are very sad to be reporting the who joins CMS as a Hertfordshire departure of Angela Forster who, after County Council Graduate Management putting in a really solid 23 year shift has Trainee. Oliver is undertaking a range decided to move on to pastures new. of work aimed at better understanding the business of Health Walks, exploring Angela leaves behind a strong legacy innovations from other areas and setting and has made a massive contribution to described as a “knackered old Land the future direction of this fantastic furthering the aims of our organisation, Rover”. We pass on heartfelt thanks service. Oliver has been working in striving to secure a quality environment to Angela for her very significant Hertfordshire for the past two years. for us all to live, work and spend our contribution and wish her well in this During that time he has worked at leisure time in. She has worked with exciting new adventure. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, communities across Hertfordshire to Health and Community Services and help them influence and take an active Michael Iseard Hertfordshire Independent Living role in the management of their beloved We also sadly say our goodbyes to Service. We are very excited to have greenspaces. She has, through her work Michael Iseard who, after a year and a half Oliver on board! with the farming community, secured with CMS, has now departed to begin a millions of pounds of investment in our new chapter of his life in Holland with his In October we welcomed Kim Breckon to county and ensured that investment has wife, a Dutch lady. the post of Assistant Project Officer. Her produced outstanding results for wildlife role involves developing the Health Walk and people alike. Mike, a really popular member of the programme specifically within the areas team, has made an excellent contribution of Colney and South , Latterly Angela has been the focus for to our work and his own unique Mill End and Maple Cross. Kim has a HCC’s work to prepare for the challenges impression on staff and volunteers. His corporate background and joins CMS that lie ahead for our native tree love of foraging foods from the wild with a wealth of experience from roles stocks and has put in place a very solid and producing home-made jams and as diverse as promoting corporate social foundation on which we shall be building cakes and tendency to bring these into and environmental responsibility to a profile and raising awareness. the office, as well as his very particular managing volunteers and fundraising. We brand of sarcastic humour will be much are delighted to be harnessing Kim’s skills She leaves us to realise a long-standing missed around the office. We wish Mike and experience in this exciting extension ambition to spend a year travelling happiness and success in all his future to the Health Walks programme. the wilds of Africa in what can only be endeavours.

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Hertforshire Year of Volunteering

Launched by Hertfordshire now sadly deceased, for his significant County Council in May this year, contribution to the work of CMS. A the Year of Volunteering aims glittering array of HCC Directors presented to celebrate the contribution the awards. of volunteers, increase their numbers and demonstrate the CMS volunteers recognised at the awards strong sense of community Marian Hurle and Jacky Fitzgerald were enjoyed in Hertfordshire. runners up in the ‘Best Newcomer’ category for their work to develop First Steps Health As part of this campaign a Volunteering Walks. Award was created. HCC staff were asked to nominate volunteers who work with Peter White, volunteer CMS News the county council and who have gone designer, was runner up for the Lifetime Top row, pictured left to right are above and beyond the call of duty. CMS Achievement Award (although he says that CMS volunteers Marian Hurle and nominated 12 individuals under various meeting Deb at his first conservation task Jacky Fitzgerald leading Health categories. We also nominated our network nearly 30 years ago, and marrying her a Walks and our longstanding of Health Walks leaders and our mid-week year later, was reward enough!). volunteer and newlsetter designer Practical Conservation volunteers under Peter White. the ‘Volunteer Team of the Year’ category. Outstanding Staff Contribution Above: CMS Projects Officer Competition was fierce as Hertfordshire Sian Price, CMS Projects Officer, Sian Price has a huge number of extremely dedicated scooped runner up for “Outstanding Staff volunteers engaged in a wide range of roles Contribution to Volunteering” for inspiring across the council. Three CMS volunteers Hertfordshire Health Walk Leaders across and one memebr of staff were shortlisted the county. from over 80 nominations. We are forever grateful for the wealth of The evening was hosted by County Council skills and experience all our volunteers Chairman, Cllr. Frances Button and invitees bring to our organisation. The awards were heard a presentation from Cllr. Teresa a great opportunity to showcase some of the Heritage, Executive Member for Public volunteers who make a real difference in Health, Localism and Libraries; the latter Hertfordshire, improving the environment made special mention of Arthur Phipps, for people and wildlife.

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Captions to add

Investing in Fantastic effort at Studio Way Volunteers CMS has a proud tradition of working with volunteers and in 2010 CMS Wednesday practical conservation we set out to improve the way we volunteers have been busy over at Studio work with volunteers and to reflect Way Woodland in Borehamwood as this in our policies and procedures. part of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) shady woodland floor. Large mature This resulted in us being awarded Scene Change at Studio Way Project. oak trees – some of which have made the Investing in Volunteers (IiV) Their numbers were boosted with visits appearances in a number of famous Quality Standard of which we have by members of the County Council’s films - are having vegetation removed been very proud. This standard is Transport, Access and Road Safety unit from around them to giving them more reviewed every 3 years. We retained and Environment Agency staff on team space to grow and stand out as prominent the standard in 2013 and now in building events. landscape features. 2016 we are preparing for another assessment. We’ll be working with Progress to date has been amazing More tasks are planned for later in the an independent assessor from with hundreds of metres of old rabbit year, including: planting young oak trees the National Council for Voluntary fencing being removed to enable to become landmark features for the Organisations (NCVO) to identify thinning and coppicing of the woodland future, restoring old hedgerows, installing improvements to our procedures. compartments. The work will create a signage and interpretation panels. Please more diverse woodland structure and contact CMS if you would like to be We feel this process will ensure allow light to reach the once dark and involved. that we continue to provide a great service to our volunteers and help us build on the existing good practice in order to better support them.

The assessment for the IiV Award will take place in late November. The assessor will choose a random sample of volunteers, from our 350 strong team, to provide some feedback about our performance. Assuming all goes to plan we’ll be celebrating our award in February with our volunteers, Cllrs and partner organisations.

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Along the Beane How to get there Autumn 2016 This circular walk starts from the church and is just Stapleford is located around 2.5 miles north under three miles in length, taking about an hour of Hertford, off the main A119 to Stevenage. for an average walker. There is a gentle gradient There is limited parking adjacent to the main in the middle section which climbs to the top of A119 along the High Road at the top (west end) Church Lane where there is a rewarding view into of Church Lane. This is a 5 minute walk from the Beane Valley and the village below. the church where the walk begins. Walking in © Copyright Forestry Commission © Copyright Forestry Commission It follows a delightful section of the River The village has a regular bus service, stopping Hertfordshire Beane southwards, a route which is part of the outside the church. For travel details visit Hertfordshire Way. The trail then ascends north www.intalink.org.uk east across farmland and into Woodhall Estate. on 0300 123 4050 (open or contact 8am – 8pm). Traveline

Beyond the circular walk Other Local Walks This walk is one of a series of Walking in North through Woodhall Estate Stapleford Hertfordshire circular walk routes. Along the Beane Woodhall Estate, to the north and including the Download these and other walks from farmland surrounding Stapleford, has been in the www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/cms Enjoy a 2.5 mile, 4km circular walk exploring the same family ownership for over 200 years. It centres River Beane and the Woodall Park Estate. on the 18th century mansion let to Heath Mount 1 – 1 ½ hours walking time School. Walkers can enjoy stunning views from Rights of Way which cross the estate. Some of these are highlighted on the map, overleaf. They include the riverside path to the north of Stapleford which passes through some delightful woodland, full of bluebells and wild garlic in the spring. South to Waterford The riverside path south, beyond the circular walk, travels eventually to Waterford which is part of the parish of Stapleford and then on to Hertford via Waterford Marsh. It passes through Waterford Heath along the way, a nature reserve managed by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

This walk was produced by Stapleford Parish Council (www.staplefordpc. co.uk) as part of the Parish Paths Partnership, a programme funded by Hertfordshire County Council.

The Countryside Management Service (CMS) works with communities in Hertfordshire to help them care for and enjoy the environment. For more information Oriental Chestnut Gall Waspvisit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/cms

Oak Processionary Moth nest A legacy for the Year of Walking Tree health update CMS have teamed up with Stapleford Parish Council to bring you an exciting new circular Over the last twelve months more widespread than previously thought. walk route through the historic CMS have published several The potential impacts of tree loss may seem parkland landscapes of the Beane pieces regarding tree health obvious. Significant numbers disappearing Valley. As part of the legacy from and the potential impacts of a from our landscape will of course reduce the Year of Walking, CMS are number of pests and diseases. related biodiversity and may affect visual working with five parishes this amenity. Start to look a little closer at the year to produce new leafleted The situation with Ash Dieback has moved issue and the effects could be more far- walks to encourage residents and on over the spring and summer, CMS staff reaching and dramatic than most people visitors to get out and discover have been finding confirmed instances realise. Trees play a crucial role in helping Hertfordshire’s glorious countryside. from Baldock to Rickmansworth. The to regulate our environment and are vital The first walk to be promoted is latest indications are that the disease in helping us to adapt to the effects of in Stapleford near Hertford, called has been with us for at least a decade global warming. Trees make very positive ‘Stapleford Along the Beane’. and as such is already widespread contributions to flood alleviation, urban throughout our tree communities. cooling, noise abatement and screening, This circular walk starts from the they help regulate our climate at a local pretty parish church of St Mary’s Oak Processionary Moth nests were level, remove pollution from the air we and is just under three miles in identified in Hertfordshire for the first breathe and contribute to our mental length, taking about an hour at time in August. A number of nests were wellbeing; they also contribute to our moderate walking pace. It follows found and subsequently destroyed in tourism economy through their use in a delightful section of the River the -Hertsmere area; again townscapes and in landscaping schemes Beane southwards, a route which indications are that this pest has been and can increase the value of our properties. is part of the Hertfordshire Way. present for at least two breeding seasons. In summary, without trees we would The trail then ascends north east all live shorter lives, , be less prosperous across farmland and into Woodhall Much news was generated last year by the and be considerably more miserable. Estate. There is a gentle gradient in identification of Oriental Chestnut Gall the middle section which climbs to Wasp on a street in . A rapid CMS is acting as a central point for the top of Church Lane providing a response was mobilised and trees removed collation and dissemination of up to date rewarding view across the Beane and disposed of under highly controlled local information and guidance on issues Valley and the village below. conditions to prevent further distribution of tree health. To find out more or keep of the insects. Subsequent survey work up to date visit our dedicated web pages Download the ‘Stapleford Along the undertaken by the Forestry Commission has here – www.hertslink.org/cms/treehealth/ Beane’ walk leaflet from the Get identified that this population is also now Active pages of the CMS website www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/cms

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Rediscovering Bishop Stortford’s past

Walsworth CMS, working alongside East Herts easily accessible. An off road sustainable Common Council and Bishop’s Stortford Town transport route would also connect the CMS are currently working with Council, recently submitted a £2m bid to town centre with the proposed residential North Herts District Council to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a project to expansion to the north. Within the park deliver improvements to Walsworth transform Castle Gardens and Sworder’s itself, a new network of easily accessible Common, a public greenspace in Field in Bishop’s Stortford. paths would provide a functional layout Hitchin, for the benefit of people and that is accessible to all. wildlife. If successful, this funding would bring these two greenspaces together under the banner Parks and greenspaces are of great We have been successful in a of ‘Castle Park’, becoming an exciting place importance to people and communities, grant application to the “Bags of where people can discover their town’s offering access to nature, to recreation and Help” initiative, run by Tesco and past. Bishop’s Stortford is fortunate enough improving health & wellbeing. They not Groundwork. This awards money to have fantastic heritage, including the only have the ability to enhance a town, raised from the 5p bag levy to remnants of Waytemore Castle and the but to truly shape its identity. Castle Park environmental and greenspace River Stort. However, these are currently would do just that, becoming a stand-out projects. The project has been hidden away and largely ignored within destination that celebrates the historic and shortlisted, along with two others, the landscape. As well as opening up natural heritage of Bishop’s Stortford. to compete for grants of £8,000, access to heritage, the project would also £10,000 and £12,000. In late deliver major biodiversity enhancements, We will hear if the funding application is October, shoppers in Tesco stores in focussed around the River Stort, bringing successful at the end of the year, so fingers Hitchin, Baldock and Royston will be wildlife right into the heart of the town. crossed until then! invited to vote for the project they As a recreational space Castle Park would think should receive the top grant. encourage people to get active and healthy, with strong community involvement The funding will pay for new signage encouraged through a new friends group. and interpretation, installation of an easy access ramp at a key entrance Castle Park would not just deliver a high to the site, and the restoration of quality park for the people of Bishop’s an overgrown pond. The work will Stortford, but would become a hub that take place over the coming winter. connects the town. Improved entrances Our midweek volunteers will also be from the town centre and surrounding getting involved, clearing scrub and residential areas would make the park opening up access routes.

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Far left: Existing entrance at Aberford Park, Borehamwood Left: Narrow tracks will be widened to allow two-way cycle traffic

Focus on access as CMS move to ‘TARS’

Recent re-structuring work within the Environment Department at Hertfordshire County Council has Hertsmere Greenways project seen CMS move into the newly formed Transport Access and Road Safety (TARS) team. CMS is working with Hertsmere Borough the painting of murals on the Bushey We and the Rights of Way unit Council to deliver elements of its Rangers Clubhouse building. Overshaded join colleagues who deliver diverse Greenways Strategy using infrastructure- routes will be opened up through selective services relating to bus travel, support funding from local housing thinning of vegetation and feature trees will road safety and driver training to developers, linking existing routes and be revealed. name but a few. We hope that creating new ones. the move will enable us to work Borehamwood in a more joined up fashion on Greenways aim to provide safe, traffic- Borehamwood is ideally set up for the issues of sustainable transport. free, sustainable transport links to local Greenways project as it possesses a amenities enabling users to travel through substantial network of existing paths and Regular readers will probably have an enjoyable and pleasant environment cycleways. Our initial project focus here already noted a recent focus on connecting people with nature along their has been on a particularly well used section this area of work. The spotlight journey. alongside Tykes Water, taking in Aberford is on provision of alternatives Park, Leeming Park, Brook Meadow and to the car as our road network Bushey Haggerston Park. becomes ever more congested The initial greenway route within Bushey and the future promises substantial aims to connect residents with local Our aim will be to improve junctions increases in numbers of residents. primary schools, shops and other local and create enhanced connections with amenities around the Moatfield greenspace. surrounding areas, ensuring an easy to As usual CMS have responded to Further afield it will connect to the Bushey access and easy to use route. Alongside this growing need and projects Grove Leisure Centre and secondary this we will be ‘greening’ the Greenway by are already underway to improve schools along the Aldenham Road. planting up areas in order to make route the Alban Way and Nickey Line, users feel closer to nature. Keep an eye out linking St Albans with Hatfield and The project will enhance existing routes over the next year as these Greenways start Harpenden with Hemel Hempstead. and provide missing links such as crossing to take shape. A network of interlinking routes points, to make the route easier, safer and through Borehamwood has been more attractive to use. Existing, narrow devised with the first, at Studio Way surfaced paths will also be widened to well advanced and further projects accommodate two-way, multi-user traffic. due to get started in the new-year. See overleaf to find out more The environment through which the about how you can get involved greenway passes will be enhanced with in this area of work though some new volunteering opportunities.

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CMS Summer Volunteer Outing Our annual conservation volunteer get-together took place this year on the 16th August. We were honoured to be hosted by Mr and Mrs Able Smith on the Woodhall Estate near Watton-at-Stone.

Our volunteers were treated to a New Rights of Way volunteer roles tour of a portion of the landscaped grounds on a guided walk led by Nick Fox the estate’s Head Keeper. As part of Hertfordshire Year of of volunteers and benefit from our award This took in some of the interesting Volunteering, Hertfordshire County winning approach to training and support. natural and historic features of this Council has launched a number of new lovely estate, including a look at ways for people who love the outdoors and Roles include: some magnificent, gnarly old veteran want to make a positive difference to their • Footpath Friends – oak trees with hollowed trunks and local environment to get involved. survey existing promoted routes branches. • Surveyor – The new roles have been created by the report problems and make simple repairs We then wandered along the River council’s Countryside Management • Driver – Beane chalk stream that flows Service, who work with communities provide tools and equipment to team through the estate and looked at across the county to care for and improve working on Rights of Way the site of the former 18th Century Hertfordshire’s amazing landscape. • Team member – broadwater which recently drained join a small team to make practical out when the dam-head failed. There As a county we are well served by an improvements was an interesting discussion around extensive network of public rights of way, • Team leader – the pros and cons of reinstatement giving us all access to the beautiful, varied lead teams of practical volunteers of the broadwater versus allowing and productive Hertfordshire landscape the river to return to a natural state. that surrounds our homes and places of For more information visit http://www. work. hertslink.org/cms/getinvolved/rowvols/ This excellent event culminated with or call us on 01992 588433. a very tasty lunch consisting of hog- If you are interested in walking, off-road roast and a mix of salads which was cycling or horse riding we would like you extremely well received! to help us to manage and maintain our footpaths, cycle tracks and bridleways to a high standard. Simply get in touch and find out how to join our ever growing network

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New walks in St Albans and Three Rivers Districts CMS has secured funding from Three Rivers and St Albans District Councils to increase walks being offered in , Mill End, Maple Cross and London Colney. To deliver this Hooray for walking! work and most importantly, develop a sustainable programme of walks, CMS has recruited Kim Breckon to CMS have long recognised the importance across the country we hope to gain a better the team in the role of Assistant of walking as a means of tackling ill health understanding of how to support the Health Walks Projects Officer. Kim will and improving mental wellbeing. So, we residents of Hertfordshire to get moving. be working alongside Sian Price and were delighted that Sport England has our dedicated team of volunteers finally recognised the important role For example, we now know that of the new to support people who are currently walking initiatives can play in reducing the people registering in 2015/16, 29% said doing minimal physical activity to get burden of inactivity in the UK. The new they had one or more long term health walking in their local area. 5-year Sport England strategy is broad condition – proof that we do attract walkers in its approach to supporting physical who would benefit from increasing their South Oxhey already has a successful activity initiatives, where traditionally it has levels of activity. But there’s more to prove. and popular weekly Grade 3 walk, focused on competitive organised sport, Where should First Steps walks take place which has adapted to cater to a with walking falling under the radar. Their to target the least active in the county? Who wide range of abilities. The plan is new focus is to support physical activity in could we partner with to strengthen our to advertise a variety of walks in the all its forms and specifically, Sport England physical activity offer? What can we do to area and recruit additional volunteers has announced the availability of increased retain more of 1,300+ new walkers that to support existing leaders. funds for walking schemes that promote join us every year? And perhaps the biggest walking for leisure. Opportunities for CMS challenge of all, how can we persuade The expansion of the St Albans to apply for new pots of funding to support them to make a permanent change to their programme into London Colney our Health Walks programme are always activity levels so they can live in good is an exciting development for the gladly welcomed. For a summary of the health for longer? programme. The project is also strategy visit www.walkingforhealth.org. supported by the Parish Council and uk/news. These of course are complex questions and walks will connect residents with will not return straightforward answers. their surrounding countryside to With this shift and the objectives set by However together with Public Health at improve health and wellbeing. Public Health in Hertfordshire in mind, Hertfordshire County Council this is the CMS has started a process to really direction in which we will steer our work in Updates will be posted online at understand the nuts and bolts of our future. Update to follow in the next issue of www.hertfordshirehealthwalks.org Health Walks scheme. By crunching our CMS News. and via Twitter (@HertsHealthWalk) data and learning from other schemes and Facebook (www.facebook.com/ HertfordshireHealthWalks).

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Lyme disease © Copyright Forestry Commission

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection, Walks & More is a programme of outdoor spread by infected ticks from one animal activities that will inspire you to enjoy and to another including people. Ticks learn about the Hertfordshire countryside. can be found in any area of overgrown Up and coming events include the vegetation where there are animals for Sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) on a person following: them to feed on for instance woodland, scrub and heath. to look out for and seek medical advice if The History of How Wood they begin to feel unwell. The following Saturday 14th Jan, 1:30pm. Some of those unlucky enough to precautions can also be taken: Discover some clues providing an insight contract the disease may develop flu- • keep to footpaths and avoid long grass into this site’s interesting history and learn like symptoms early on such as fatigue, when out walking how this helps us plan future management muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, a • wear appropriate clothing in tick- work. high temperature (fever) chills and neck infested areas (a long-sleeved shirt and Open Day at Furzefield Wood, stiffness. If the disease is not diagnosed trousers tucked into your socks) Potters Bar Saturday 4th Feb, at an early stage it can become more • wear light-coloured fabrics that may 10am till 2pm serious and lead to the onset of more help you spot a tick on your clothes Learn about coppice management and it’s severe symptoms weeks, months or even • use insect repellent on exposed skin contribution to wildlife conservation and years later including pain and swelling • inspect your skin for ticks, particularly meet the work horse extracting timber.. in the joints, problems with the heart, the at the end of the day, including your nervous system and inflammation of the head, neck and skin folds (armpits, Scrub clearance at Croxley Common membranes surrounding the brain and groin, and waistband) – remove any Moor – Sunday 12th February. spinal cord (meningitis). ticks you find promptly Join in and help the Friends manage invasive scrub on this very important Site • checking that pets do not bring ticks of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).. Whilst Hertfordshire is not regarded as into your home in their fur a high risk area, cases of Lyme disease Walk on the Wild Side – Charlton have been reported throughout the UK. The key message for all those out Nr Hitchin – Monday 20th March, Readers of CMS News naturally have enjoying our beautiful Hertfordshire 10:30am. a close affiliation with the countryside Countryside is to be aware and remain Take part in a stroll through part of the and are regular users of it and as such, vigilant and if you suspect you may have beautiful countryside of north Herts and should be well informed on symptoms Lyme disease, seek early intervention! learn about some of our splendid native wildlife along the way..

For more information on the above, CMS website gets a makeover and to find an event near you, visit: www.hertslink.org/cms/getactive/ Over the coming months the now will enable us to customise information walksandmore/ slightly dated CMS website is going to to suit the requirements of site users. be transforming. Hertfordshire County Council has recently updated its website It will be a few months before the from Herts Direct to Hertfordshire.gov. new website is up and running and uk and we are following suit. for some time both websites will run alongside each other, then the old site All your old favourites like Walks and will be switched off for good. You will be More, CMS News, Volunteering and directed from the old site to the new one Health Walks will still be there but in when it goes live, so why not update your a slightly different format. The new favourites list now with the new address technologies that are now available to us www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/cms Layout: Peter White, CMS volunteer.