October 2006

Welcome …

To this our first newsletter.  Lots has happened since we were formed on 18th May but we shall try and mention at least the most important items here. 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
From a standing start in May, we now have more than 135 households as members spread across Hemel Hempstead, Redbourn and Harpenden.  Our thanks to each and every one 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 (new of course) website at www.nickeyline.org or ring 01582 622771.

What’s Happening  on the Nickey Line:

Harpenden Ambrose Lane Steps Open - At long last, these steps are now open again and very much welcomed by local users – they are a bit steep with deep steps however so less athletic users may prefer to use the Holly Bush Lane steps or the Roundwood Park level access still.
New Entrance Signs - Diagrams of the Nickey Line are now up at many of the entrances to the Line including the two ends – Adeyfield Road in Hemel Hempstead and Holly Bush Lane in Harpenden.  This is just the first of many improvements in signposting and information that the Councils and Friends are working on.
Tree Removals - EDF have cleared much of the undergrowth from below the power lines on the Harpenden-Redbourn section. Done for safety reasons, it looks drastic but the increased light and space will encourage a richer vegetation and flowers in particular.
We are expecting more selective tree removals along the Harpenden Holly Bush Lane section to encourage a longer term more natural mix of types and age of trees.
Nickey Line Management Plan – Along with this newsletter is an overview of the soon to be finalised Nickey Line Management Plan, produced by St Albans District Council and the Countryside Management Service. Currently at draft stage, the 5 year plan will be available for viewing from the respective councils in the New Year. Please see the aims and objectives section for what the plan will achieve. Further information about the practical management of the Nickey Line will be discussed at a guided walk led by the Countryside Management Service in February so why not come along. See ‘Events Planned’ overleaf.

Big Lottery Breathing Spaces Grant 
We have just been awarded a Big Lottery grant of £1,250 for a new information board and funding for our ambitious programme of activity over the next year. NB Only 5 grants were made to the whole of Eastern England! This is a remarkable result for a very new organisation like us and a big help to us.

New Nickey Line Leaflet
We are working with a professional designer and the Countryside Management Service (CMS) to produce a new Nickey Line leaflet which is being funded by the local councils, CMS and the Community Development Agency  - estimated cost £10,000 including print - which is another demonstration of the support being given to the Nickey Line as a major recreational facility on our doorstep.

Dog Bins Survey
Friends undertook an email survey of registered ‘friends’ plus 1-1 discussions on the Line with users on the need for more dog bins and preferred locations. Findings - two new bins at Redbourn (one is now in place!) and also two new or repositioned bins at Harpenden.  NB We want to hear Hemel Hempstead users’ views on your section too!

Parking Restrictions at Roundwood Park, Harpenden
Friends have objected to the proposal to ban parking adjacent the Nickey Line during school days 10-11am  and 2-3 pm. We believe these restrictions will have an unintended effect on Nickey Line users who travel by car – people come from St Albans, Luton and further away, but we have local wheelchair users too.  We have suggested alternative approaches to the Highways Authority to reduce the impact on users.  

Hemel Hempstead Talk
Friends Chairman Dave Abernethy and Nickey Line DVD author George Storrow gave a joint talk to Hemel Hempstead ‘Life after Deaf’ social group. Subject ? – you guessed it – the Nickey Line.

Harpenden User Survey
Friends committee members braved the heat (and rain) over a week in July to talk to Harpenden users at different times of day. We also recorded numbers and ‘type’ of user. Some headline statistics:

Weekdays: Just under 200 users per day. Biggest group is dog walkers at 40%. Walkers and runners similar at 20-25% each. Cyclists smallest group at about 15%. Peak usage is morning- 8/9sh and evening - 6-8. Runners and cyclists tend to be evening users 

Saturday: Saturday was a busy day with about 240 users. Very heavy cycle usage - about 3 times normal % use at 45%

Sunday: Over 350 users, split of use about same as weekdays. Heaviest use is evening - 6- 8 (about 25% of total day use) and about/after lunchtime
 
Do you recognise yourself in there? We plan to undertake similar surveys along other parts of the Line.

Events Planned – Dates for Your Diary – Contact 01582 622771 for details / to join in work parties

***Litter Pick at Hemel Hempstead, Sunday 26 November 2006 *** – meet at Midland Hotel , Midland Road at 10.30 for 2 hour pick. Litter pickers/bags/gloves/refreshments provided - Transport available from Harpenden. HH members particularly welcome! 01582 622771 for details.
Work Party - Coppicing between Roundwood and Redbourn, Sunday, 17 December 2006
Led by Peter Cooke of Countryside Management Services (CMS). Meet on Nickey Line by corner of Knott Wood (TL114135) at 10am. Tools and gloves will be provided, tea/coffee and even mince pies! Wear stout boots, be prepared for rain and cold and maybe bring nibbles as it will be nearly Christmas! Finish about 3pm but help even part of time will be appreciated. Suggested parking - the car park on the corner of the B487 (or nearby street parking). Maximum of 15 volunteers so book in advance!
Work Party  - Hedge laying and Coppicing at Redbourn, Sunday 21 January 2007
Meet on the Nickey Line (TL 099113), where the footpath from Redbourn Church meets the Line (the CMS Land rover will be parked nearby) at 10am. Gloves, tools and training will be provided. Bring hot drink, packed lunch. Clothing advice as above. Max 15 volunteers so book in advance!
Learn about the Environmental Management Plan, Sunday, 11 February 2007
Learn about the habitat management of the Nickey Line from Peter Cooke, (CMS). About 2 miles, with option of 4 mile circular walk, starting at 2.00pm Roundwood School crossing. Stout footwear needed, as paths will be muddy.

Further events in 2007
Bird watching walk, Sunday 29 April, starting Roundwood School crossing
Bird watching walk, Wednesday 2 May, starting at Redbourn
Nature walk, June, starting at Roundwood School crossing
Historical remains of the Nickey Line, Oct, starting at Holly Bush Lane steps.

New Nickey Line Photographic Book, 'Branch Line to Hemel Hempstead', just published. 
Contact the well known local Nickey Line historians, Geoff and Sue Woodward, 235 Luton Road, Harpenden, 01582 713524; also available from Bookstack in Harpenden, cost £14.95.

CALL FOR HEMEL HEMPSTEAD MEMBERS
We need Hemel Hempstead members who want to take an active interest in your sections of the Nickey Line.  Specifically, we are looking for:
- two Hemel Hempstead based committee members
- users who want to help on local litter collection and other work parties.
If you want to see improvements on your section of the Line and can help on either of these, please ring us on 01582 622771 or email friends@nickeyline.org.  Come along on the 26th November litter pick too!