Members Update June 2024

FRIENDS of JERSEY LANE

News Update – June 2024

Dear FoJL Member,

Work by your Committee and volunteers on a wide range of activities continues apace, and includes:

  • Two working party sessions over the past few weeks to clear undergrowth on a stretch of the Lane adjacent to Harvest Court in preparation for wildflower sowing. We are grateful to the volunteers/leaders and first aiders who gave their time and would encourage our wider membership to participate in future working party activities as and when they have the time. Full details will be circulated as events are planned.

 

  • Our Chair, Jim Watson, recently organised and led a working party of volunteers from the HCC Countryside Management Service tasked with chopping up and stacking a fallen tree near Barnfield Road, clearing an area by The Leys to prepare for wildflower sowing, clearing laurel growth (after checking for nests) near the bridleway junction between Briar Road and Villiers Crescent, and improving the channelling of run-off water into a storm drain to alleviate flooding problems. In the latter respect, discussion with HCC is ongoing with regard to improving path drainage in this area.

 

  • We shall be following up a suggestion that the local Scout group based in Furse Avenue might be approached and asked to take over the maintenance of a section of the Lane opposite Harness Way open space. In addition to assisting FoJL in its endeavours, this could provide beavers, cubs and scouts with the means to demonstrate the skills needed to earn badges whilst also increasing their environmental awareness.  Accordingly, Jim Watson has drafted a proposal, for consultation with the Scout group and HCC, which includes the use of appropriate signage to keep Lane users informed of what is happening. If this goes ahead, it would provide an excellent opportunity to involve younger members of the community in ‘ownership’ of the Lane.

 

  • We are delighted to note the new growth in evidence in the tree/hedge planting that was undertaken by one of our working parties near Barnfield Road. Several Committee members have undertaken to keep an eye on watering needs during dry weather. Further hedge and tree planting is planned for the autumn as part of a long-term programme of seasonal projects. We have put in a request to HCC for more whips (unbranched, bare root hedging plants) and small trees to be placed in suitable locations including some where dead trees have been removed.

 

  • An ecological survey is currently being undertaken in conjunction with Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust. The survey findings will be posted on our website once that is up and running.

 

  • Progress on the construction of the FoJL website has not been as swift as we had initially hoped, but we are now beginning to collate a variety of relevant material including photos, memories of the construction of Jersey Farm and its relationship with the Lane, information on local character ‘Tramp Dick’ and about Evans Farm. However, we need a lot more and would ask members to let us have any photographs of Lane users, including families, dog walkers, cyclists etc. (with accompanying permission to post these on the website).

 

 

  • We would again ask all our members and their acquaintances to try to gather any historical anecdotes regarding the Lane from longtime local residents, some of whom may well have lived in the locality for most of their lives.

 

  • Discussion with HCC is ongoing regarding the funding of shared usage and cycle permissive signage scheduled for the current financial year, as well as the design and installation of pictorial interpretation panels to be placed at points on the Lane. These would feature wildlife and historical information.

 

  • We would like to thank HCC for its support and cooperation and look forward to building upon our mutually beneficial relationship.

 

  • FoJL is reliant for its funds on donations and sponsorship. Do, please let us know if you have connections with any companies who might be willing to assist our fund-raising efforts.  As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions regarding all of our activities.

 

Andy Boxer