Guided walk around St Albans’ Highfield Park

A historical park will play host to two walks aiming to enlighten the community on its bountiful heritage and latest developments.

Highfield Park in St Albans boasts a 150-year history, as well an extended tree trail with a newly planted Hither Wood.

The 82-acre park once formed the grounds of the Hill End and Cell Barnes mental hospitals, before being transformed into recreational space during the 1990s.

The first walk, which takes place on May 4, will take spectators around the grounds with a guide providing insight into the local history of the park and the hospitals.

For those not keen on walking, there will be light refreshments available with plenty of historical information and archives on show.

The two hour walk will be free, but donations to the Highfield Park Trust, which carries out research on the grounds, will be appreciated.

Then on May 24 guide Neal Holmes-Smith, local aboriculturalist, will take walkers around the improved Tree Trail and newly planted 6,800 tree woods.

Tickets for this event cost £2.50 per adult and the entire walk will take around two hours.

More information on both of the Highfield walks can be found at www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk