Greenways

Greenways Definition

The concept of ‘Greenways’ was introduced by the Countryside Commission, then piloted by the Countryside Agency (now part of Natural England), in June 1999 as: ‘a network of largely off-road routes connecting people to facilities and open spaces in and around towns, cities and the countryside. They are for use by people of all abilities on foot, bike or horseback, for commuting, play or leisure.’

Watling Chase Project

The Watling Chase Community Forest area, which included the whole of Hertsmere Borough, became one of the Greenways demonstration projects. Our Secretary was appointed to the Steering Group for the project. In the pilot area progress was made on the creation or improvement of several local routes.

Local Results

The Greenways project was involved in the creation or improvement of various routes, for example, creating the Merry Hill Greenway, which enabled the creation of a wide bridleway with half its width surfaced to encourage children to cycle to school, the change of park byelaws in Elstree so that the council could authorise riding and subsequent opening of a path, and the installation of a Pegasus crossing. The council’s planning department issued supplementary planning guidance which could be cited favourably when contributions to the Greenways network were offered.