View a list of tasks for volunteers in South and West Herts
View a list of tasks for volunteers in North and East Herts
< 10 May 2008 to 10 June 2008 >
Discovering the Purwell’s wildlife
10 May 2008
09:00 AM
until 11:00 AM
A 2½ miles/4 km, easy walk
On the edge of Hitchin, the Purwell valley is surprisingly rich in birds and a rare stronghold for water voles. Last year’s walk also found evidence that otters have returned. Find out if they remain with Martin Ketcher, warden of Purwell Ninesprings Nature Reserve. The route includes some uneven grassland and kissing gates Meet at Walsworth Common car park in Woolgrove Road, Hitchin, off Cambridge Road, A505. Hitchin station is under 10 minutes walk away.
Contact CMS Northeastern Area, 01462 459395
Grid Ref 519555E 230332N (TL 195 303)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Gobions Wood Family Wildlife Walk
10 May 2008
10:00 AM
until 12:00 PM
An easy 3km/2 miles walk on woodland paths
Gobions Wood is a beautiful small wood of 42 acres owned by Gobions Woodland Trust. Part of it is ancient woodland, enclosing the remains of the 18th century Pleasure Gardens of Gubbins house designed by Charles Bridgeman, Royal Gardener to George II. On this wildlife walk suitable for families we will be looking out for birds and wildflowers. For more information about this site look at www.brookmans.com/environment. Meet in the North Mymms Parish Council car park in Gobions Open Space. Grid Ref. TL250039. The car park is along a narrow track between numbers 90 and 94 Moffats Lane, Brookmans Park. The car park is 1km from Brookmans Park railway station and 1/2km from the "Moffats Lane, Brookmans Park" bus stop on Bluebridge Road, Brookmans Park. The buses are 610 (hourly until approx 18:15 Monday to Saturday. Please note this walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Contact CMS Northeastern Area, 01462 459395
Grid Ref 524976E 203961N (TL 249 039)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Hatfield Park pleasures
10 May 2008
10:30 AM
until 04:30 PM
A 10mile cycle ride for all the family.
This ride is largely traffic free, to enjoy Hatfield (House) Park with a fine adventure playground and curious trees. An open air picnic is proposed - bring a packed lunch or money to buy food. Park entry - adult £2.50, child £1.50. Meet at Jersey Farm shopping parade (Jersey Cycles), Sandringham Crescent, St Albans.
Contact Doug Nevell, St Albans Cycle Campaign 01582 762120
Grid Ref 517650E 209330N (TL 176 093)
Map (click Start Point to return)
1 to 1 with shire horses at Aldenham Country Park
11 May 2008
10:30 AM
until 04:00 PM
Meet Chris Carpenter, the Park's shire horse expert for a rare hands-on session working with shire horses.
Following a briefing, preliminary work and a lunch (provided in the price) you will get an opportunity to work with and drive the heavy horses carrying out activities such as chain harrowing or rolling. The cost is £70 per person. Places available are limited so booking in advance is essential. You must be aged 16 or over. Entrance via the Aldenham Road and main car park. Follow Park signs from A41, A5, A1(M) and M1 junction 5. Bus 107 from Borehamwood or Bus 7 from Watford. Car parking fee applies.
Contact Aldenham Country Park 020 8953 9602
Grid Ref 516561E 195860N (TQ 165 958)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Friends of Croxley Common Moor event
11 May 2008
11:00 AM
until 03:00 PM
Birthday Party!
Join the Friends of Croxley Common Moor SSSI as they celebrate their 10th birthday. This special day will start with a walk across the Moor, on the look out for the fascinating wildlife which can be found. At 12:30 there will be a buffet lunch, celebratory drinks and a slice af cake or two!
Contact Kay FitzGerald 01923 727105
Grid Ref 508256E 194661N (TQ 082 946)
Map (click Start Point to return)
The Withey Beds LNR Wildlife Wander
11 May 2008
02:00 PM
until 04:00 PM
An easy tour around the Withey Beds LNR and the lakes of the Watford Piscators.
A chance to find out more about the Withey Beds Local Nature Reserve and the beautiful lakes of the Watford Piscators. There will be a guided tour of both unique sites where you will learn more about how they are managed to care for wildlife. The walk will entail a 1.5 mile walk along the Ebury Way. Meet at the Batchworth Lock Centre, 99 Church Street, Rickmansworth, WD3 1JD.
Contact Kay FitzGerald, TRDC 01923 727105
Grid Ref 506260E 194180N (TQ 062 941)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Grizzled skippers at Waterford Heath
11 May 2008
02:00 PM
until 04:00 PM
An easy walk across a restored gravel pit
Restored gravel pits can make excellent local nature reserves. Waterford Heath is a particularly good example with Grizzled Skipper butterflies about at this time of year. Waterford Heath is about 3km/2 miles north of Hertford on the A119 road to Stevenage. Turn off right, crossing the river and meet in the car park on the left after passing under the railway bridge.
Contact Alan Downie, Butterfly Conservation, 01992 309621
Grid Ref 531658E 215011N (TL 316 150)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Dawn Chorus
14 May 2008
05:00 AM
until 07:00 AM
This 1.25mile early walk is suitable for all the family but unfortunately the route is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs
Get up early to catch the wonderful dawn chorus in the peaceful surroundings of Cuffley Wood. Later, return from your walk to replenish your energy levels with a breakfast cooked over an open fire at one of our campsites. Booking is essential. Meet in the car park at Cuffley Camp, Carbone Hill. Use the intercom if the barrier is down.
Contact Cuffley Camp Outdoor Centre 01707 872955
Grid Ref 529600E 204220N (TL 296 042)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Grizzlies and Dingies
15 May 2008
11:00 AM
until 01:00 PM
A 2 mile moderate plus walk around Tring Park
Join the Countryside Management Service for a walk around one of the premier butterfly sites in Hertfordshire with a chance to see amongst other species the rare Grizzled and Dingy Skipper. Please note that this walk includes some very steep slopes. Parking is available off Fox Road, within the site itself where the Ridgeway National Trail enters.
Contact CMS West and Southern Area 01727 848168
Grid Ref 493420E 210530N (SP 934 105)
Map (click Start Point to return)
The Rickmansworth Festival
17 May 2008
10:30 AM
until
18 May 2008
until 05:30 PM
A Family Event
The Rickmansworth Festival is a major annual fixture to celebrate our canals and environment. Centred around the Rickmansworth Aquadrome and the canal you can take a stroll along the towpath to look at the old working narrowboats, take a trip along the canal or wander around the main festival site at the Aquadrome. There will be numerous craft stands, food stalls, live music and entertainment, as well as boat handling competitions, the boat tug-of-war, a fun fair and a varied Environment fair.
Contact Kay FitzGerald, TRDC 01923 727105
Grid Ref 505630E 193910N (TQ 056 939)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Spring Butterflies
18 May 2008
02:00 PM
until 04:30 PM
A moderate 2 mile walk on Aldbury Nowers
Join Butterfly Conservation to look for spring butterflies including Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper and Green Hairstreak. Meet at the lay-by off Northfield Road. Spaces are limited however there is additional parking at Tring Station. This walk includes some steep slopes.
Contact Malcolm Hull 01727 857893
Grid Ref 495130E 212220N (SP 951 122)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Woodpeckers in Wormley Woods
21 May 2008
07:00 PM
until 09:00 PM
Easy Woodland Walk 2 miles/3.2km
Ken Smith is a leading expert on woodland birds for the RSPB and has been studying Wormley Woods for 25 years. Benefit from Ken’s intimate knowledge of the Woodpeckers, Warblers and Woodcock as you wander through the Hornbeam trees of Bencroft and Wormley Woods. You might like to bring a torch to use as the light gently fades on this exploration of Hertfordshire’s only National Nature Reserve. Please phone CMS to book and receive meeting point details.
Contact CMS Northeastern Area 01462 459395
The wildlife and history of Sopwell Nunnery!
22 May 2008
06:30 PM
until 08:00 PM
A 1.5 mile/2.4 km moderate plus circular walk around Sopwell Nunnery Open Space in St Albans
Join the Countryside Management Service and District Archaeologist for guided walk around Sopwell Nunnery Open Space to learn more about its wildlife and local history. The walk also provides an opportunity to look at the recent work carried out in the management plan for the site. Please note the walk includes a set of steps. Please park sensitively in the local area. Meet at the easy access bridge along Cottonmill Lane. Please wear sturdy shoes and suitable outdoor clothing.
Contact CMS West and Southern Area 01727 848168
Grid Ref 514957E 206386N (TL 149 063)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Spring butterflies at Cheshunt Park
25 May 2008
02:00 PM
until 04:00 PM
Distance: 2 miles/3km, easy
The meadows at Cheshunt Park are home to several kinds of butterfly and moth and many of these are active at this time of year. Join Andrew Middleton of Butterfly Conservation and the Countryside Management Service for a guided walk see to how many we can find. The Bar will be open for refreshments when the walk ends. Meet outside the Golf Club and Bar at Cheshunt Park, off Park Rd, Cheshunt
Contact CMS Northeastern Area, 01462 459395
Grid Ref 534876E 203747N (TL 348 037)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Healthy walking in the Woods
28 May 2008
09:45 AM
until 11:45 AM
A moderate circular walk of 3 miles through the Chiltern woodlands
Join the regular health walk but this time find out a little about the woodland you walk through from John Morris of the Chilterns Woodlands Project. Find out about the history and ecology of these valuable habitats. Meet on the village green, near the Village Hall, The Common, Potten End, near Hemel Hempstead. Please park sensitively in the village.
Contact CMS West and Southern Area 01727 848168
Grid Ref 501687E 208898N (TL 016 088)
Map (click Start Point to return)
1 to 1 with Raptors at Aldneham Country Park (1)
28 May 2008
12:00 PM
until 03:00 PM
Meet Clive Palmer and Clive Hill and come face to face with a range of beautiful birds of prey.
This is an opportunity for you to get really close to those wonderful birds and ask all the questions that you want to; who knows, they might even know some of the answers! For example; do you know your long-wings from your short-wings? What is the difference between a hawk and a falcon? Can owls see in the dark? All will be revealed!! Entrance via the Aldenham Road and main car park. Follow Park signs from A41, A5, A1(M) and M1 junction 5. Bus 107 from Borehamwood or bus 7 from Watford. Car parking fee applies.
Contact Aldenham Country Park 020 8953 9602
Grid Ref 516522E 195900N (TQ 165 959)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Minibeast Magic
30 May 2008
10:00 AM
until 02:00 PM
This event is ideal for families, providing the opportunity to investigate the weird and wonderful creatures living at Cuffley Camp.
Have a go at pond dipping and sweep netting. Hunt for bugs and beasts hiding in the woods. Finish the days creating homes to help protect these creatures for future visitors. Booking is essential. Meet in the car park at Cuffley Camp, Carbone Hill. Use the intercom if barrier is down.
Contact Cuffley Camp Outdoor Centre 01707 872955
Grid Ref 529618E 204230N (TL 296 042)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Wayside Farm Open Day
01 June 2008
11:00 AM
until 04:00 PM
Discover the delights and difficulties of modern dairy farming in Kings Langley.
Join one of the guided walks, taste some produce, make a bird box, bring a picnic and see how your milk gets from the cow to your doorstep. Dogs are welcome but they will need to be kept on leads.
Contact West & Southern CMS 01727 848168
Grid Ref 507365E 202145N (TL 073 021)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Summer Tree Identification
03 June 2008
01:30 PM
until 04:00 PM
A gentle 2 mile stroll - Chipperfield Common, nr Kings Langley
Interested in trees and want to find out more? Then this could be the event for you! Chipperfield Common is a beautiful old plantation containing many native and introduced tree & shrub species. Meet in the car park on The Common, by Chipperfield Cricket Club (See map for details).
Contact CMS West and Southern 01727 848 168
Grid Ref 504570E 201455N (TL 045 014)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Wildflowers and Butterflies at The Withey Beds
07 June 2008
11:00 AM
until 12:30 PM
An easy guided walk around the Withey Beds LNR
Visit The Withey Beds, a Local Nature Reserve in Rickmansworth, to learn more about the fascinating variety of wildflowers and butterflies that can be found at this special site. Meet at the entrance to The Withey Beds on Moor Lane opposite the lay-by, Rickmansworth. Parking is limited but there are more spaces by the river bridge. Please take care when walking along Moor Lane.
Contact CMS West and Southern Tel: 01727 848168
Grid Ref 507700E 193920N (TQ 077 939)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Winnie the Poohs Hunny Trail at ACP
07 June 2008
02:00 PM
until 04:00 PM
Help Pooh Bear find his lost hunny around 100 Aker Wood.
Collect the question sheet from our refreshment kiosk and follow the clues. Sheets handed back in with the most correct answers will be entered into a draw to win a free annual season ticket worth £50. Don't forget to bring a pen and pencil! The route is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Entrance via the Aldenham Road and main car park. Follow Park signs from A41, A5, A1(M) and M1 junction 5. Bus 107 from Borehamwood or bus 7 from Watford. Car parking fee applies.
Contact Aldenham Country Park 020 8953 9602
Grid Ref 516513E 195981N (TQ 165 959)
Map (click Start Point to return)
National Moth Night
07 June 2008
08:00 PM
A BBQ followed by Moth Trapping to Survey the Moths in Highfield Park
Help us record the moths in the Park with an evening survey with a BBQ to keep us going! £5 charge for BBQ but if you would like to join us after the BBQ Moth trapping will start at 9.15pm and go on until 12 midnight. Meet at Highfield Park Centre, Russett Drive, opposite Spar entrance, off Hill End Lane.
Contact Highfield Park Trust on 01727 847242
Grid Ref 517480E 206472N (TL 174 064)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Barkway on the map!
08 June 2008
10:00 AM
until 12:00 PM
A moderate walk across undulating farmland
Join the people from Barkway celebrate the installation of the new village Rights of Way map board. Following the launch we will take a guided walk taking in a number of the locations featured on the map.
Contact CMS Northeastern Area, 01462 459395
Grid Ref 538427E 235538N (TL 384 355)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Friends of Croxley Common Moor event
08 June 2008
10:00 AM
until 03:00 PM
Butterfly and Insect Wander
Take a wander over Croxley Common Moor SSSI and a dip in the river to see how many different insects you can find lurking in the undergrowth or hiding under stones. Wear wellies and bring a net if you have one.
Contact Kay FitzGerald 01923 727105
Grid Ref 508152E 195150N (TQ 081 951)
Map (click Start Point to return)
Carpenters Wood a chunk of the Chilterns
09 June 2008
07:00 PM
until 08:30 PM
A circular easy walk of 2 miles around Carpenters Wood in Chorleywood
Join the CMS on this stroll through a beautiful Chilterns Woodland and look at the management and history of the site. Meet at the entrance to the footpath between 59 and 61 Whitelands Avenue, Chorleywood. Please park sensitively in the road.
Contact CMS West and Southern Area 01727 848168