Watford Borough Council

They carry out practical conservation works including tree planting and installing bird and bat boxes. Every summer there are organised bat walks, led by Ian Mather, Conservation and Development Officer for the Council. The groups also carry out regular litter clearance days.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: “We provide a significant level of funding for parks and open spaces, which currently stands at over £2million per annum. The provision of quality green spaces is a high priority for us – they play a key part in the quality of people’s lives and we want to get the best use out of them.”

Anyone can become a Friend. It is not necessary to belong to a group to join in its activities - visitors are welcome. Joining a Friends Group has many benefits - from having an involvement in conservation, meeting like-minded people and having fun in the great outdoors.

New members are warmly welcomed – please contact Ian Mather on tel: 01923 278558 or use the email address at the bottom of the page.

Friends of Alban Wood
The Friends of Alban Wood are a conservation group, who carry out projects including tree planting and installing bird and bat boxes. Every summer there are organised bat walks, led by Ian Mather, Conservation and Development Officer for Watford Borough Council.

Friends of Harebreaks Wood
This group have been running for about 6 years. Their work is augmented by Council partners, British Trust Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), who are currently constructing a disabled access path in the Woods. The Friends of Harebreaks Wood have their own website, which you can visit by clicking on the link below.

Friends of Cherry Tree Allotment
This is the latest group made up of tenants of the Cherry Tree Allotment Site.

Friends of Garston Park
This group helps maintain the entire Park, including the nature reserve area.

Friends of Cassiobury Park
The Friends of Cassiobury Park help to protect and enhance Cassiobury Park. Part of the park has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve, and has recently been planted with native trees and shrubs to encourage wildlife. For one Saturday and one Monday morning each month the ‘Friends’ carry out conservation work on the reserve. These projects are led by the Hertfordshire & Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

Friends of King George V Playing Fields
This is the most recent of the Friends of groups, set up in the light of recent and future developments to the park.

Friends of Oxhey Park
The ‘Friends of Oxhey Park’ was set up two years ago with the aim of protecting and enhancing Oxhey Park. The ‘Friends’ organise a couple of river clean ups each year, undertake practical conservation work like planting trees and hold social/ educational events, including bird and bat walks. The ‘Friends’ meet four times each year to make suggestions and raise concerns. Anyone interested in joining should contact Celia Smith on 01923 221701 or email randombandagency@googlemail.com .

Campaign to Protect Rural England
CPRE - The Hertfordshire Society is the county branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England. Their purpose is to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural Hertfordshire. A link to their website can be found below. They are a registered charity, no. 211299.