Friends Of Leavesden in Bloom

Leavesden Country Park is coming alive with activity following a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Jess, Leavesden Park Ranger has invigorated the 'Friends Of' group who are planting 2,000 bulbs over the coming weeks.

Three Rivers District Council received a grant of £582,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to deliver a programme of enhancements for the park and all thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. Additional funds have been committed from the Council’s Section 106 Agreement funding and from Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, who proudly support the project as a creative partner, bringing the project total to £1.1m.

Late October saw the first digging task for the park volunteers. It involved planting a mighty 1,000 bulbs in the woodland area. These bulbs were a mixture of crocuses and native English bluebells. A further 1,000 bulbs will be planted next week including the beautiful Star of Bethlehem and Glory of the Snow Bulbs - so keep your eyes peeled next spring!

The Park Ranger provided the group with a very well deserved refreshment stop by using a Kelly kettle!   The invention of the Kelly kettle dates back to the 1890s on the west coast of Ireland. It burns any naturally flammable material – twigs, grass, leaves, pine cones, and can boil water extremely fast, even in poor weather, which made it an excellent tool for using in the open air for the volunteers.

The 'Friends Of' will soon be able to meet in the Leavesden HIVE, next to the Woodlands Café when this becomes open to the public in January 2019. The 'Friends Of' and the Leavesden HIVE are part of the wider HLF project, which aims to create a unique local heritage site of interest, intrigue and beauty in Leavesden Country Park.

Cllr Chris Lloyd, Lead Member for Leisure said:” On behalf of Three Rivers District Council, I would like to convey a massive thank you to everyone who braved the cold and joined in the planting. This major bulb planting campaign will help to ensure that the flowers can be enjoyed by visitors today and in the future.”

Jess added: “It was brilliant to see so many enthusiastic people coming out to join in the new 'Friends Of' group. The bulbs should look stunning in the spring time and the community can look forward to seeing them year after year.”

If you would like to become involved in future projects and be part of the ‘Friends Of’ group, please contact the Park Ranger via  Leisure@threerives.gov.uk

They are a very friendly team and all equipment, and a cuppa is provided when they meet.