Arlesey Conservation fOR Nature – ACORN
Caring for the Local Countryside since 1992
ACORN ’ S Achievements Much of what ACORN has been involved with over the years has its roots in the early partnerships mentioned in April ’ s “ on the button ”. That combination of enthusiastic volunteers and organisers , advised and supported by experts , with funding from local authorities and national grant schemes , has produced impressive results over the years . This article describes some of the highlights .
Footpath Improvements and Walks Leaflets Encouraged by Central Beds ’ Rights of Way team and the new Parish Paths Partnership , the local footpath network was steadily improved through the 1990 ’ s . Overgrown sections were cleared and old fashioned styles replaced by “ kissing gates ”. The footpath that runs past Green Farm east towards Fairfield had almost disappeared , and its re-opening in 1996 ( after much hard work ) was celebrated by a sponsored walk raising £ 1,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital .
The next major project was creating an easy access footpath from Mill Lane to the Mill Pit Meadows . The group also raised enough money , via grants , to be able to replace the narrow concrete bridges over the river and the ditch .
With a footpath network to be proud of , the group was keen to encourage local residents and visitors to explore the countryside around the village , and so a series of 8 circular walks were identified . Funds were raised , maps designed , directions checked out , and illustrations drawn by local artist Chris White and ACORN supporter Lilian Billows ( sadly no longer with us ). Large maps have been installed at Pix Green , the town centre and West Drive . Many thousands of the walks leaflets have been distributed over the years , and we now urgently need to update , fund and reprint once again .
Etonbury Wood We have the EU to thank for Etonbury Wood – now well established to the south of Etonbury School , running down to the A507 within the parish boundary of Arlesey . It was recognised that traditional farming that relied on a small variety of crops was vulnerable to weather , and could suffer a string of poor years . The EU Woodland Diversification Scheme suggested timber could provide an additional and steadier income stream , and offered funding to encourage trials of the concept . Bedfordshire County Council ( as it was then ) took this up and set up the Bedfordshire Farm Woodland Demonstration Project , working with local farmers Steve and Meg Bumstead , experts from Cranfield University ( Graham Goodall ), and ACORN . The project included provision of public access , and ACORN volunteers worked to clear and maintain footpaths through the maturing woodland , and installed several rustic benches . The Wood was officially opened in July 1999 .
From open fields , Etonbury Wood has now become a wonderfully diverse environment for wildlife , despite its origins as simply a cash crop . The original project has now run its course , and there will be more about the current plans in the next article .
Arlesey Glebe Meadows The Meadows lie in a narrow strip between the main East Coast railway and the River Hiz , just to the West of the railway station .
Origins of the meadows can be traced back to the 11th century when they were part of an endowment from Waltham Abbey to the manor of Arlesey Bury . The land was later passed to St Peter ’ s Church , which was built by the monks of the Abbey around 1180 . The name Glebe means “ land held by the parish priest as part of his benefice ” ( to provide a source of income ). In recent times The land was used for grazing horses . The level of the drier northern meadow is slightly higher as a result of land-fill , whilst the southern meadow retains its damper character .
Members of ACORN had recognised the potential of the land as a valuable green space for the benefit of wildlife and the community . The Old Moat nature reserve to the south of the meadows was purchased by the Wildlife Trust back in the 1970s , and the two areas would complement each other . Then in 1999 there was an opportunity to purchase the land , and urgent fundraising got underway . Contributions included £ 500 for a team of ACORN volunteers to carry out hedge laying for a new footpath in Northill . Whilst the bulk of the money came from a landfill tax credit grant and a Mid Beds Council Community Fund grant , this wouldn ’ t have happened without demonstrating strong local and Council support .
The Meadows are now held by the Wildlife Trust , and managed jointly by WT , Arlesey Town Council , and ACORN . A legal document ensures that they will be kept safe for future generations .
The Hicca Way Another long-held aspiration for the group was to establish a walk to follow the River Hiz , all the way from its spring source south of Charlton village , through Hitchin , Ickleford and Arlesey until it joins the River Ivel to the east of Henlow Grange . The Hiz is one of a small number of chalk-bed streams in the country , and provides an important wildlife corridor . There are also historical records showing how it linked the Saxon lands to the south with Viking outposts to the north – the name Hicca comes from the tribe settled in Hitchin .
The idea was to use existing footpaths as far as possible , accepting that it wouldn ’ t always be possible to walk alongside the river . At the Arlesey end , the acquisition of Glebe Meadows meant that the river could be followed all the way down to Arlesey Common – with the exception of one short link between the Old Moat and the Mill Pits . The farmer at the time would not allow any form of public access , but when the farm was sold , the new owner agreed a permissive path and even provided fencing to keep it secure . As a result the project could start to move forward .
A team was put in place to include representatives from the four communities and two counties . A route was agreed , and some upgrades to footbridges etc got underway . Text drafted and photos selected for a leaflet , and a special circular “ Way Mark ” disc designed to point the way along the route . Maps were also installed in lecterns at five points along the route . The construction of the Hitchin railway “ flyover ” caused some last minute problems , requiring a diversion to be added to the Ickleford to Hitchin section . But eventually everything was in place , and the official opening marked by a ceremony at Hitchin and Henlow Bridge Lakes , featuring local dignitaries , sword-wielding Vikings , and local runners following the path .
In Conclusion
None of the above could have been achieved without the support and involvement of many organisations and groups , but most of all the membership of ACORN past and present .
With special thanks to Geoff Page for his inspiration on making sure we get our facts right . Next time we bring the ACORN story up to date , featuring some of the current projects underway , and looking to the future .
ACORN would like to invite you to show your support by joining our Group and helping to protect our wild life , biodiversity and green pastures , get involved and receive our newsletters . Annual membership fee is £ 4 for individuals or £ 6 for families Email acorn . arlesey @ ntlworld . com or visit the ACORN Facebook page : Arlesey Conservation for Nature https :// www . facebook . com / groups / 361501306689 /
10 on the button issue 46 June 2016 | 01462 834265 | steve @ onthebuttonarlesey . co . uk | www . on-the-button . co . uk