The site

Sherrardspark Wood is in the north west of Welwyn Garden City and is an ancient woodland consisting mainly of sessile oak and hornbeam.

The area was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by English Nature  in 1986 as well as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in 1998.

The brief

To improve the entrance to the Ayot Green Way from the Campus car park.

The solution

Fell trees, clear brambles and other vegetation and remove tree stumps.  Remove old path edging and re-grade so the path is no longer visible.  Dig out apron and re-grade bank and remove all arisings from site.  Install a timber post and three rail fence either side of the apron to denote the entrance and to lead people on to the new path.  Timber edge the apron and lay 20mm MOT type 1 granite sub-base and 6mm-dust granite top dressing.  Supply and install a timber walkway over the wood bank with steps either end.

The result

The wood was opened by Roche General Manager John Melville and Welwyn Hatfield Deputy Mayor Kim Morris upon the completion of the project and now serves as an area popular with dog walkers, joggers, cyclists, and horse riders alike, and is also a valuable site for its wildlife.