Green Fingers

We support and campaign to retain and protect Green Belt land and the recognition of Hertford’s ‘Green Fingers’, first designated in the Local Plan by HCS submissions. We continue to recognise the importance of Green Fingers’ role in various town policies, focusing on their crucial benefits for residents and the environment.


Green fingers

The valleys of the Mimran and Rib, and the land to the south of the town carry the official designation, Landscape Conservation Area.

Rivers flowing into the lowest fordable point on the River Lea retain in accidents of nature and history, ‘Green Fingers’ of countryside which penetrate deeply into the town at five different points. Each river valleys bringing into the town its own characteristic ribbon of countryside remain unchanged for many centuries because of the danger of flooding, and a high water table.

In 1976 the Society published a report A Study of the ‘Green Fingers’ of the Town with a view to drawing attention to them and seeking to ensure their future protection. The report stated no development should be permitted which might damage the charm of the Green Fingers and the pleasure they now give.

Dangers highlighted in the HCS report included:

  • Encroachments were being made onto the flood plains.
  • More of these washlands might be released for housing and other developments on completion of the flood alleviation schemes then in progress.
  • Increased demand for housing would follow electrification of the Hertford North railway line.
  • Additional developments in key areas, though relatively small, might significantly alter the character of the town.
  • Planners might yield to the twin arguments – ‘a little development won’t hurt’ and ‘it has already been spoilt, so why worry?
  • Those responsible for the character of the town might not have clear aims.

Hertford Civic Society was greatly pleased when the District Council protected the Green Fingers concept in the Local Plan at the time. The most recent version of the Plan continues to recognise the importance of the Green Fingers in the various policies for the town, and their crucial benefit for residents and the environment.

Present threats to Hertford if the protected Green Fingers are compromised:

  • Cramming of new dwellings within the boundary of the town in order to satisfy Hertford’s share of the surging demand for housing, without building in the Green Belt.
  • The end of farming land use and loss of traditional means of managing the type of land making up the Green Fingers.
  • Increase in public use of open spaces by trail motorcycles, off-road vehicles and mountain bikes straying from authorized routes, and damaging the ecology.
  • Protection of the water meadows within the Green Fingers. There is public recognition that further building in flood plains is no longer sensible or sustainable.

An HCS Updated Report in 2004 aimed to:

  • Determine whether the recommendations of the original report had been implemented.
  • Determine whether previous protective measures were effective.
  • Identify what additional measures might be needed to address current threats to the Green Fingers.
  • Recommend how the Green Fingers should be managed in future, for the benefit of everyone, in the light of predicted changes.

The target audience included: members and officers of Hertfordshire County Council, East Herts District Council, Hertford Town Council and the East of England Regional Assembly, landowners, local employers such as GlaxoSmithKline and McMullens, and organisations with special interests such as the Environment Agency, English Nature, British Waterways, Thames Water, Three Valleys Water, Sustrans, boating and angling clubs, Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust and various other natural history groups and societies.

The structure of the document is as follows:

Section 2 is a review which addresses the issue of the protection of the Green Fingers within the overall planning strategy for the Hertford area. It refers to the 1976 recommendations, what has been achieved since then, what problems have arisen and what is recommended for the future strategy.

Six topic headings which together define the character of each Green Finger:

  • Boundaries
  • Landscape and amenity
  • Access and recreation
  • Wildlife
  • Agriculture
  • Development

Section 3 provides a summary of the specific recommendations which Hertford Civic Society wished to make, both in general terms and in respect of each of the areas which have been identified as Green Fingers.

 

The ISBN number for the report is 0 9529196 1 3.

 

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Planning Representation

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Transport Plans

Air quality, the environment, and improving the quality of life for residents across generations are issues that The Civic Society approaches with direct effect. We are focused on improving the livability and sustainability of Hertford with efforts such as Hertford Bypass and A414 Traffic, and Mass Rapid Transport Systems. Safe Travel to Schools, Cycle Paths, See ideas here and ring along your own for campaigning projects.

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Local Campaigns & Lobbying

The welfare and happiness of local residents is a top priority of the Hertford Civic Society. Our duty is to help you campaign and lobby for the maintenance and preservation of the community.

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Our Green Belt

Hertford Civic Society is committed to conserving our rich, natural environment, making sure our environment enhances residents' and visitors’ experiences.

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Local Environmental Issues (Pollution)

We focus on prioritising areas of natural beauty, improving air quality, and promoting the growth of native trees and wildlife. We are lucky to have our four chalk rivers, which provide natural leisure and relaxation areas. We are dedicated to the continuous improvement and maintenance of these areas. We are also committed to implementing more cycle lanes to decrease pollution and maintain our green belt.

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Hertford Civic Society Policies

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Licensing Applications

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Hertford Fountain

Hertford Fountain was opened in 1994 after a competition for the fountain’s design and construction was won by William Pye. The fountain depicts the intertwining four rivers flowing through Hertford’s green spaces.

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Architectural Awards

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Hertford Plaques

Take a tour of HCS Hertford blue plaques highlight buildings of merit.

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Bengeo Quarry

We provided instrumental support to prevent the Bengeo Quarry's development. In April 2019, the Secretary of State agreed with the Government Inspector that the appeal should be dismissed and planning permission be refused. This was a great triumph for the local community and surrounding environment.

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Happy Healthy Hertford

Hertford Civic Society is committed to promoting a happy, healthy Hertford. Our focus is on maintaining a natural, sustainable environment and ensuring residents' happiness is our top priority.

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Local Environmental Initiatives

Hertford Civic Society supports and celebrates the environmental improvements and campaigning initiated by other agencies across Hertford, with a special focus on green agendas.

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Previous Talks

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Newsletters Archive

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Local Leisure Facilities

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