St Albans spring walks this weekend

TWO spring walks have been organised at Highfield Park in St Albans starting this weekend as part of the national Tree Council’s walk in the woods month.

TWO spring walks have been organised at Highfield Park in St Albans starting this weekend as part of the national Tree Council’s walk in the woods month.

On Sunday, May 6, the beauty spot hosts the History of Highfield Park walk, delving into the area’s wildlife and history, which dates back to 1140 with links to Sopwell Priory.

The Highfield Park Trust describes the site as an 82-acre hidden gem. It was established from the parkland grounds of the former Hill End and Cell Barnes hospitals as part of the residential redevelopment of those sites in the 1990s.

Highlights of the two-hour-long history walk include the story of the relocation of St Bartholomew’s Hospital to Hill End Lane during the Second World War, and the hospitals’ self-sufficiency, including using their own farms, kitchen gardens and orchards, and their own railway line, now the Alban Way.

A spokeswoman for the trust said the walk was suitable for all ages and would appeal to both those interested in finding out more about local history or with links to the hospitals.

The walk is free of charge but a suggested donation of �2.50 per adult towards the trust’s establishment of information boards at the park would be welcome.

Meet at 9.45am at West Lodge, Hill End Lane, opposite Frobisher Road, for a 10am start.

Later this month on Saturday, May 19, a Highfield Park tree trail is being led by local arboriculturalist Neale Holmes-Smith.