July 2007

Welcome …

Lots has happened since our last newsletter in February so do read on…. Let us know what you think or suggest items for the next newsletter – you can ring on 01582 622771 or email friends@nickeyline.org.

Friends Membership
We now have 155+ households as members across Hemel Hempstead, Redbourn and Harpenden.  Our thanks to all of you who have joined.  Please encourage your friends and neighbours to join too and help us make a difference. They can print a form off our website www.nickeyline.org or ring 01582 622771.

What’s Happening on the Nickey Line:

M1 Bridge– Work on the M1 bridge underpass for the Nickey Line has lasted longer than expected but should be completed shortly
Tree Thinning at Harpenden – Tree thinning took place between the Hollybush Lane steps to the Luton Road bridge. This removed poor tree specimens and opened up the canopy to allow increased light levels. Two large piles of tree trunks were left by the contractors but we have arranged for them to be reduced in size as a safety hazard.
Resurfacing at Luton Road Bridge, Harpenden – A new surface replaced the muddy mess that made this section very difficult in wet weather. A lot of school children use this section each day. The work was funded by a Balfour Beatty 'Building Better Communities’ grant.
New Dog Bins – two new bins have been agreed by St Albans District Council.
New Notice Boards - A new notice board, purchased with an award from our Breathing Spaces grant, has been installed at Roundwood School crossing, while three of the former Railway Paths Project notice boards have been repaired and reinstated. Two further boards are being repaired and one re-sited. We would like to thank in particular Roger Thornhill and Peter Cooke for their hard work on this.
Signs Vandalised – The Roundwood crossing map of the line was sawn off and removed by vandals. It has been found and will be replaced. Other signs have been damaged including the brand new notice board set up at Roundwood.  

Nickey Line Management Plan
The St Albans District Nickey Line management plan is well into its first year with some significant tree and access improvements carried out. The Dacorum management plan is soon to follow and this will identify similar works designed to improve the Nickey Line over the next 5 years.
There is money in place already from Herts Highways and the East of England Development Agency for significant path improvements and signage work around the Eastman Way Industrial Estate and the success of phase 2 of the Lottery Breathing Spaces grant means further money for tree management works (see below).  This project will be carried out by Groundwork Hertfordshire, an environmental regeneration charity with considerable experience of working on disused railway trails.
The new management plan will soon be available for inspection and a consultation event is planned for September, so watch this space.

Big Lottery Breathing Spaces Grants 
A Big Lottery Breathing Spaces Phase II grant of £7,580 has just been received and will fund:
- Specialist tree felling and stump grinding
- Additional notice boards
- Hedging plants
- Purchase of new tools and safety signs

AGM
Our first annual general meeting was held on May 17th.  Peter Cooke of Countryside Management Service updated us on the Nickey Line Management Plan.  Treasurer Mike Platt presented the accounts with a healthy balance of over £1,400 including the so far unspent portion of the first Breathing Spaces grant.

BOTANICAL ARTIST WANTED FOR HELP ON NEW INTERPRETATION BOARD
We are working on plans for an interpretation board on Nickey Line natural history.  Can you help?
Contact Jenny  Jackson on 01582 762549.

Committee Members
Barbara Pettet of Hunters Oak was officially confirmed on the committee at the AGM.
Jane and Ernest Cox resigned because of pressure of other commitments but remain as active Friends.  We would like to thank them for their strong contribution to Friends of the Nickey Line over the last year.
NB We would welcome additional committee members in particular from Redbourn and Hemel Hempstead.  You don’t have to commit a lot of time. So if you want to make a difference, contact us on 01582 622771!
 
EVENTS PLANNED – Dates for Your Diary – Contact 01582 622771 for details

Volunteer Work Parties – Interested in doing practical conservation? Want to enjoy yourself and earn some free tea and biscuits? Put 28th October, 18th November and 16th December in your diary now!
Walk Saturday 28 July, starting at 11am  - Walk the Railroad from Hemel Hempstead to Harpenden
Walk will start when the 320 Centrebus bus from Harpenden, due at Midland Inn at 11am, arrives. Walk the length of the Line from Hemel Hempstead to Harpenden, with the option to walk lesser stretches. The 320 bus route, which serves both ends of the Line, and crosses the Line at intermediate points, will be used, which allows those not wanting to walk the whole Line the option of a shorter walk. Bring a picnic lunch. Contact Roger Thornhill on 01582 763560 for further details.
Circular Walk, Wednesday 15 Aug, starting at 10am from Redbourn Common
Meet at Redbourn Common car park for a 4 mile circular walk via Dane End Farm and Beaumont Hall Lane finishing for a pub lunch if desired - or just a quencher. Contact Doug Nevell 01582 762120 - see also ‘Walks and More’
Ride the Railroad (and back), Sunday 9 Sept, starting Holly Bush Lane steps, Harpenden at 10.30am
Cycle the full length of the Nickey Line and back (15 miles). Pub lunch, so bring money for a meal. Finish 3.30pm (Contact Doug Nevell on 01582 762120). See ‘Walks and More’
Sunday 14 October 2007, starting at Holly Bush Lane steps at 10am
Learn about the history of the Nickey Line, and about the items of remaining memorabilia during a walk from the Holly Bush Lane steps to just beyond the Roundwood School junction with Geoff Woodward, who with his wife Sue have written the authoritative history of the Nickey Line.  About 1 hour. Contact Roger Thornhill on 01582 763560   
 
Nickey Line Walk 2 - Try this new walk from Friends committee member Doug Nevell: