Countryside
Within Three Rivers there are large areas of public open space including parks, moors, commons, country parks, heathland and verges. Three Rivers is responsible for 16 woodland areas, covering 197 hectares (473 acres). The woodlands consist mainly of broad-leaved deciduous trees, many of which are native to this country, i.e. Oak, Ash, Hornbeam, Field Maple, Beech, Birch and Hawthorn.
The woodlands make an important contribution to the landscape and recreational value of the District, 65% of which is "Green Belt" land.
The Rickmansworth Aquadrome lies immediately south of the town. It consists of three lakes, Bury, Batchworth, and Stockers lakes together with a surrounding area of wooded and semi-landscaped parkland.
The District Council actively supports the Countryside Management Services in the conservation of habitats and landscape features, and the improvement of pubic access for recreation. The Council also works with a number of other organisations towards these aims, one example of which is the bird and wildlife sanctuary around Stockers Lake. It is owned by the Three Valleys Water Company and managed by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.
Three Rivers Community and Environmental Services department works closely with the Colne Valley Park Groundwork Trust which helps residents and visitors explore its wonderful local facilities. Projects include the development of walks that link railway stations such as Rickmansworth and Denham. The Colne Valley Park has over 100 miles (160 kilometres) of public rights of way. They allow different places to be explored including farmland and woodlands and provide access to lakes, rivers and canals.
Visit the Countryside Access website for the Countryside Code.
Country walks
As well as beautiful, unspoilt woodland areas to walk in, there are now several circular walks created by the Council in the district, including:
Around Croxley Common Moor
The Croxley Green Loops
The Swillett and Heronsgate Walks
Chorleywood Circular Walk
Exploring Abbots Langley
Oxhey Woods Local Nature Reserve
The South Oxhey Circular Walk
Information cards are available from the Council Offices on 01923 776611 or contact
The Countryside Management Service
on 01727 848168.
The Chess Valley Walk will take you all the way from Rickmansworth to Chesham via the entrance from Scotsbridge playing fields. It is about 10 miles long, but short sections can be followed at a time. Three Valleys Water have produced a leaflet for this route. Tel 0845 782 3333
The Alder Nature Trail can be accessed from the Aquadrome or the canal path and is only one mile in length. A leaflet is available from the Council Offices Tel 01923 776611
Ramble and Rides in the Colne Valley include:
Chorleywood / Rickmansworth to Gerrards Cross
The Colne Valley Way
The Grand Union Canal
For more information contact Groundwork Colne Valley on 01895 832662.
The Ebury Way (click here to download map) is for cyclists, walkers, and horse-riders. The track crosses the Colne, Chess and Gade rivers and the Grand Union Canal. Cycling is permitted along the whole length but horse-riders are restricted to the eastern section between Moor Lane Crossing and Rickmansworth. The path is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users; disabled people can open the gates using RADAR keys.
Information about walking and cycling the Grand Union Canal Towpath can be downloaded below.
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Walking and Cycling the Grand Union Canal Towpath. DOWNLOAD |