We've been very fortunate to have been represented at the Public Enquiry by our barrister Katharine Elliot.
Katharine has worked hard in support of the campaign and spoke eloquently at the enquiry on our behalf.
For those that were unable to attend the final day of the enquiry, we are making available Katharine's closing submission.
» Read the Closing Submissions...
This article has been submitted by Diana Howarth
I have been monitoring bird species on my regular walks across Bengeo Field and have noted that this year there have been at least two pairs of Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) in the north western part of the field. Also known as the peewit, this striking bird with a distinctive crest usually appears in large flocks, but has been in recent decline.
The uncultivated area of stony ground with low covering of vegetation in the highest part of the field is an ideal habitat for these ground nesting birds. They lay their eggs, looking like stones, in a small scrape on the ground where they are camouflaged from predators. The fluffy striped chicks run around and learn to sit still when the crows are about making them almost invisible. At least one pair have bred four chicks successfully and reared them into strongly growing juveniles. I last saw these juveniles and the breeding pair on...
Hertford Town Council, the Bengeo Neighbourhood Area Plan Steering Group and local Residents’ Associations would like to invite the community of Bengeo to participate in creating a neighbourhood area plan for Bengeo.
Attend this first community meeting to find out how Bengeo Neighbourhood Area Plan can influence where you live and work, and to have your say on: • future residential development • countryside and open spaces • roads, cycleways, and parking • shops, community centres, health provision • heritage and culture • anything else you think is important.
This is an important, long-term community project that will shape the future of Bengeo and local knowledge and expertise provided by the local community will be critical to its success.
Residents, businesses and local organisations - please come along to the meeting to share your views and find out how you can get involved!
Download Leaflet (PDF)...
The original Rickney's Quarry was abandoned in the 1990s. There is an interesting collection of photos on Urban Ghost that documents the condition of the site in 2012.
www.urban-ghost.co.uk/2012/03/rickneys-quarry.html
There are also some images from 2008 on Derelictplaces : Documenting Decay.
Planning Permission for Rickney's was originally granted in 1958 (Source). Site restoration was due to be completed by the end of 2007 but to date this condition has not been met.
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