Campaign to Protect Rural England
CPRE HERTFORDSHIRE RURAL LIVING AWARDS 2014
Judges’ Reports
Environment Category Commendation:
Oxhey Woods Conservation Volunteers
There’s a band of merry men and women who volunteer their time to tend to Oxhey Woods - a 240 acre Local
Nature Reserve in a suburb of Watford, parts of which date back 10,000 years to the last ice-age.
It is the largest Local Nature Reserve in the Three Rivers District and the group is active in
representing the views of woodland users to Three Rivers District Council and the Countryside
Management Service.
The Conservation Team are a knowledgeable and dedicated group who work
tirelessly to keep this ancient woodland healthy and ensure that the woods are accessible and
inviting to all. From glade creation to pond restoration, from pathways and waymarker posts to
correct management of the mid-19th-century rhododendron walk and resuscitation of heathland
areas, the team’s expertise, year-round enthusiasm and hard work is heartening and impressive.
The judges visited twice – once having phoned ahead, once unannounced. One visit was conducted
in glorious sunshine, the other in a torrential downpour – but nothing dampened the volunteers’
spirits or work ethic.
This is an ongoing project for the good of the wood – it is also one that unites two very contrasting
local neighbourhoods – Oxhey Woods span both an affluent area as well as an area that is far less privileged.
The volunteers enable local groups to use and enjoy the woods – including a weekly
Health Walk for which the Easy Access Trail is invaluable. The dedication and forward-planning of
the volunteer group will ensure that the woods are a well-used and much loved local amenity.
Oxhey Woods Conservation Volunteers are worthy recipients of the CPRE’s Highly Commended
Award in the Environment Category.
Freya North