Short walks in the local countryside

[North Mymms Youth Project]

There was a clean-up of the pond earlier this year organised by Hatfield Town Council I think.  Cath and I went to have a look at it.  Several anglers were there some having fished there for many years.  To get to it you follow a path close to the a1001 roundabout going towards the cemetery and then it bends away from the road.

We helped with that. We ask all of our members to help with one piece of community service a year - we helped with this, we've done some footpath maintanence, improved the grounds of the Youth and Community Centre, litter picked both in Brookmans Park and Welham Green and delivered leaflets for other community events.

We are always looking for more things to get involved with, so if you are aware of any community service that our members may be able to get involved with, please let us know via our website below. We're off bramble pulling in Gobions in a couple of weeks time!

[Ex Libris]

Trekbat's link shows some pictures of Bunchleys Pond.  Does anyone know how it got its name or anything about its history?

The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust might have more information about Bunchleys Pond -   http://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/about/Contact+Us 

[trekbat]

There's mention of a land called Bunchleys and an Edward Bunchley in historical records - not clear whether they refer to Herts or Essex.

"Commissary for Essex & Herts, file 1563.

John Porter of Feeringe, yeoman. Will 5 April 1619; (copy) proved 17 May 1620. To be buried in the parish of Feeringe. I bequeath to my son Thomas my house and freehold lands called Thressulford in Messinge and Feeringe, for twenty years after my decease, with remainder to my son John Porter and his heirs. My wife Edyth shall have her dwelling and diet there so long as she remains a widow. I give to my son Thomas my freehold land in Inworth, holden of the manor of Kelvedon Hall, and all other my freehold land in Feeringe, also the copyhold I lately bought of Thomas Seaman, and my copyhold land in Inworth with the house upon it, on condition he allow my son Richard to occupy during his life the house built by me on a parcel of copyhold called Bunchley, and pay him an ennuity of £10. I give moreover to the said Thomas my messuage and freehold land in Much Totham and Heybridge. To my wife, all the household goods that were hers during her widowhood before I married her.
To my daughter Joan, £40. To my daughter Mary, £60. To my daughter Suzan, £40, half to be paid on her marriage, the... "

"472 ENGLISH GOODWIN FAMILY PAPERS.

40s. To the poor of Springfield 40s. All the rest of my goods to my wife Mary, whom I make my executric with my daughter Mary. Witness: Isaac Joyner. (signed) William Bentall.

Commissary of London (Essex & Herts), file 1 630-1,

number 46.

Elizabeth Bridge, Felsted, county Essex, weddow. Will 10 August 1604; proved 9 October 1604. To eldest sonn John Bredg £3. To sonn Simon Bredg £5. To William Bredg son of John Bredg my eldest sonn 40s. To John Playle sonn of Em Bredg my daughter deceased late wief of Edward Playle £8 at
24. To servant William Playle £4. To sister Agnes Amys wife of John Amys of Bocking, weaver, 6s.8d. To brother Thomas Pearson of Stisted 6s.8d. Rest to daughter Elizabeth Bredg
executrix. Witnesses : John Amys, Edward Bunchley, William Playle, Xpo. Tayler, scr. "

http://www.archive.org/stream/englishgoodwinfa01star/englishgoodwinfa01star_djvu.txt

[David Brewer]

Just been on a lovely walk from our collection of local rambles. Took a shot walking through the woods. Can anyone guess which walk we did?  No prizes, just interested if anyone knows the walk.

 

[Bob Horrocks]

Many thanks to Trekbat for the information on Bunchleys.  It gives me something to work on.

Also apologies to NM Youth Project  - I got my wires mixed up and thought the clean-up of the pond area was instigated by a Hatfield Town councillor.  Well done to NMYP for their effects and concern with their neighbourhood.

[David Brewer]

Yesterday a stroll along Walk Two in our series was slightly tarnished by the discovery of a pile of fly tipping. But it wasn't all bad news. I spotted a bramble with its leaves turning. I was impressed by the variety of colours. The following pictures were taken on a mobile phone, so not great. But I like the patterns.

[David Brewer]

Just done a nice five mile walk from Brookmans Park over to Mymmshall Wood, Hawkshead Wood, Cangsley Grove, North Mymms Park, Water End and back to Brookmans Park. Took two hours and 10 mins. Recommended. The map will load shortly (below).  You might want to click the 'view full' tab at the bottom and then click the 'map options' and then 'hybrid' to see the mix between map and satellite version - I prefer that mode.

[David Brewer]

Just been on a lovely walk around Wild Hill taking in two of the rambles in this site's collection of local walks.  Saw a muntjac deer having its lunch (sorry it's a bit blurred, it was a long way away) and took a few more shots of the snowy landscape.

[David Brewer]

Promise of spring on Walk Two (and a reminder of the end of winter).

[David Brewer]

Enjoy one of our local country walks this Easter weekend.  There are 12 to choose from and there is a local pub on each. 

http://www.brookmans.com/walks/

But take a coat.

Apr 7 - Staying grey for most of the day with cloud thick enough for some light rain. Brightness possible late pm. A light breeze. Max 8-10C

— Herts Weather (@WeatherHerts) April 7, 2012

[David Brewer]

Shared a great walk with friends yesterday. Almost four miles of views (5.95km), undulating countryside and woodland. An excellent 90 mins walk. Called it The Candlestick Round and have put  it on Map My Walk.  Here it is if anyone wants to try it.  Click on the 'View Elevation' tab below to make sure you are okay with the ups and downs.

[David Brewer]

Just added another to our collection of short country walks. This one is The Woodman Round (Wild Hill). Almost five miles of farmland, woodland and valley walking. Really nice way to spend the holiday weekend.

[David Brewer]

Nice colours today with the sunshine, dark skies and the rape fields a bright yellow.