Topic ID 5655
Does anyone know what the major earthworks are in field below the thatched house that is at the top of the warren patho on Hartham? The work seems to extend from the house to half way down the length of the Warren path toward Hartham. They seem to be making large ponds or lakes.
Reply ID 78193
The area is being turned into a "grazing meadow with ponds" There was a notice on the gate that leads to nowhere halfway down the path through the Warren, but when I went down the other day it seemed to have disappeared.
Reply ID 78197
Yes that's right Grazing Meadows with ponds - I read the notice too before it dissapeared. Worth pointing out that the area will be open to the public as an extension to the Hartham park. Should be a nice wildlife area to visit. I think they are going to play around with the river so it on purpose floods the area to create a wetland environment.
Reply ID 78198
I'm going to be a total pedant here because I've heard other people make the same mistake - it's actually Hartham Common. [:)]
Reply ID 78199
Indeed it's Hartham Common
Reply ID 78200
Well, perhaps I'm being cynical......but although the area had returned to nature, didn't that actually support wildlife better than the proposed scheme? Also, come June next year, will you be able to walk through the area without being confronted with empty Fosters cans and condoms?
Reply ID 78201
There is actually no basis for it being called a common - just ask the Civic Society.
Reply ID 78202
Well I just thought there would be more enthusiasm for this project? The land previously could not be enjoyed by the general public. This should be a pleasant walking area if done properly. I'm sure you will get some litter (as you do in all public areas) but I'm still looking forward to using this area. ...and I apologise as someone who did not grow up in Hertford I have always called Hartham a park. I shall try to refer to it as a Common in future. However, I'm not sure my kids will understand if say "let's go and play on the swings at the Common" !
Reply ID 78204
It's not a common!
Reply ID 78207
quote:Are you saying it is not a common as opposed to it is not Hartham Common? Everyone I know calls it Hartham Common and I have never known it as anything else. Even Herts County Council call it Hartham Common, as shown in the postal address for Hartham Leisure Centre. What is the Civic Society's distinction for claiming it not be a common?
Originally posted by Turnip77
It's not a common!
Reply ID 78209
Common land is land, usually in private ownership, that has rights of common over it. The main features of common land are that it is generally open, unfenced and remote - particularly in the upland areas of England and Wales. However, there are some lowland areas of common, particularly in the south-east of England, that are important for recreational uses. Currently, the general public have no rights to go onto common land unless the land is an urban common, or is crossed by public rights of way (and they follow the line of the right of way). If you go back to very old maps the area is just called Hartham, not Hartham Common, and it is not in private ownership and no rights of common exist on it. The Town Council have apparently been reminding the District and County Councils of this on a regular basis.
Reply ID 78211
Isn't this thread about The Warren or is someone going to shatter my youth and tell me that was made up?
Reply ID 78212
quote:Does it really matter? I got on a train last week that was going to Kings Cross. There was no King there when I arrived and I saw no cross. It's just a name. Perhaps we can get this thread back on topic?
Originally posted by Turnip77
Common land is land, usually in private ownership, that has rights of common over it. The main features of common land are that it is generally open, unfenced and remote - particularly in the upland areas of England and Wales. However, there are some lowland areas of common, particularly in the south-east of England, that are important for recreational uses. Currently, the general public have no rights to go onto common land unless the land is an urban common, or is crossed by public rights of way (and they follow the line of the right of way). If you go back to very old maps the area is just called Hartham, not Hartham Common, and it is not in private ownership and no rights of common exist on it. The Town Council have apparently been reminding the District and County Councils of this on a regular basis.
Reply ID 78214
Well said Ewoowar.
Reply ID 78216
I've always called it the Hartham Recreational Facility.
Reply ID 78218
quote:Do the Civic Society know? [:D]
Originally posted by dennismoore
I've always called it the Hartham Recreational Facility.
Reply ID 78219
I mentioned sometime ago on a thread regarding Hartham Common, the following: when I was a PC in Hertford in the 70's there used to be an event called County Day. This was held on Hartham Common. At our briefing before policing the event we were instructed that the land was common land and that although there was a charge for people to go to County Day, if someone stated that they knew they had the right to entry over the land without payment they were to be allowed through. Subsequently, I have been to events held on Hartham Common, and when asked for payment to enter, stated that I was entitled to access without payment. I was allowed through without challenge and not restricted to footpaths or rights of way. Hartham IS a common. People who have commoners rights, usually inherited, have the right to graze cattle etc. It does not mean that because it is a "common" that everyone has such rights, but they do have right of access.
Reply ID 78221
That's the point - there is a difference between 'common land' and 'a common'. A common usually grants defined rights, such as cattle grazing. Common land just means it can be used by the public. The Civic Society and Town Council can probably explain it better than I can.