Greenways are a network of largely car-free off-road routes connecting people to facilities and open spaces in and around towns, cities and to the countryside. They encourage walking and cycling, on safe, high-quality routes that cater for all needs, linking schools, work and leisure, as well as offering a sustainable transport alternative.
Watling Chase Community Forest: The Greenways Project
The Watling Chase Greenways Project is an on-going project within Hertsmere to provide an effective network of greenways around the whole of our borough.
Where is it?
Since the project began in 1999, 11 miles have been created or improved, in addition to the part of the network that already existed.
In addition to the network below, road crossings have been installed at:
- the 'Cloverleaf' crossing of the A41 using the embankment of the M1(the first time in the country that non-motorised users have legally been allowed to use motorway verge which set a precedent countrywide);
- a 'Pegasus' traffic-lighted crossing for shared use by horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians (only the second one in Hertfordshire);
- a 'Dutch ford' crossing of a stream at the bottom of a steep gully approved by the Environment Agency (a new design in Hertfordshire that has now been picked up as a model of good practice by others).
This table shows the key routes developed since 1999
|
Type
|
Location
|
Improved
|
Created
|
Length(m)
|
|
Right of way
|
Merryhill, Bushey.
|
|
X
|
1,000
|
| |
Tylers Farm, Bushey.
|
|
X
|
400
|
| |
Blackhorse Lane, South Mimms.
|
|
X
|
190
|
| |
Brookside, South Mimms.
|
X
|
|
2,040
|
| |
Shenley Bridleway 13, Shenley.
|
X
|
|
1,300
|
| |
Packhorse Lane, Well End.
|
X
|
|
780
|
| |
Elstree Aerodrome, Hogg Lane.
|
X
|
|
542
|
| |
Crab Lane & Commonmeadow Lane, Aldenham.
|
X
|
|
2,804
|
| |
Saffron Green Greenway, Galley Lane Arkley
|
|
X
|
680
|
| |
Blackbirds Lane & Aldenham Bridleway 74 Kemp Row 504
|
X
|
|
504
|
| |
Wash Lane, South Mimms.
|
X
|
|
300
|
| |
Shenley Park Bridleway
|
|
X
|
1,500
|
| |
‘Cloverleaf’ crossing
|
|
|
500
|
|
Hertsmere Park route
|
Allum Lane Spinney, Borehamwood.
|
X
|
|
500
|
|
Brook Meadow, Haggerston & Leeming Parks, Borehamwood.
|
X
|
|
820
|
| |
Parkfields, Borehamwood.
|
X
|
|
1,332
|
|
Highway
|
Blackhorse Lane, Shenley.
|
X
|
|
1,700
|
| |
Swanland Road, South Mimms.
|
X
|
|
1,800
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
18,232
|
| |
|
|
(11.40 miles)
|
History of the project
The project began in 1999. A partnership was developed within the Watling Chase area which involved a wide variety of organisations and individuals with an interest in all aspects of the Greenways initiative in order to influence the development of the Watling Chase Greenways project. This initial partnership led to the creation of a Steering Group which including representatives from user groups, individuals and local organisations, ourselves and Hertfordshire County Council. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders worked together to provide their expertise and local knowledge, essential to the successful development of the network.
Independent consultants conducted an assessment, which provided the nature of demand for Greenways from within the local community. This found the main demand was for a network for leisure activities, with less demand for commuting to work and school. It is estimated that there are five million walking trips and about one million cycling trips made each year in the borough, illustrating the potential for creating a good, high-quality network.
A Greenways Strategy (PDF 3mb) was developed and published in 2003 for Watling Chase. This provided a 10-year vision for the project and identifies a proposed network of Greenways throughout the borough and in Watling Chase Community Forest.
The overall project is about develop links where people need them, providing shared-use groups such as equestrians, cyclists and walkers, sourcing funding and promoting awareness and support for the concept.
The future
The Watling Chase Greenways Strategy is currently being reviewed to determine whether the routes still meet the Greenways standard of improved width and surface.
Dedicated Greenways sign plates have been approved by the Department of Transport and are being put up as routes are being improved/created and as funds allow. These signs make the routes more visible, accessible and identifiable for all users.
We recognise that it will take many years to see a comprehensive Greenways network established but it is hoped that our commitment, with continued support from the community will allow the vision to be achieved.
If you would like further information, please contact us or email: local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk.