History

The idea of a D-I-Y conservation group in Harpenden goes back half a century! The headline in an old newspaper cutting from February 1953 reads "Harpenden Society gives lead on development plan; maintain Lea Valley as Open Space resolution". The article referred to a "green lung" running through the eastern side of Harpenden. This then was a call to the public to a meeting to present resolutions to be put forward into a Hertfordshire County development plan. The plan included what later proved to be the very crux of the Upper Lea Valley Group (ULVG) i.e. the Lea Valley between Batford Corner and the eastern end of Marquis Lane should be maintained as an open space. From other newspaper cuttings of the time, it is learnt that a local meeting in 1972 attracted a 100-strong audience, the members of which were invited, the article states, by Mr Pat Wilson (mentor and early volunteer with the Group) to "use their hands and heads to get involved in improving the Lea Valley".

Thus the ULVG was formed.

Throughout the 1970’s a great deal of work was done by ULVG volunteers in the vicinity of the River Lea at Harpenden and much was achieved by the early pioneers. For example - a derelict weir was rebuilt and stepping stones across the river were built; an overspill weir was constructed; a freshwater pool reinstated from disused watercress beds; over 1000 trees and shrubs were planted, and importantly - the Lea Valley Walk was conceived and constructed.

This voluntary work continues to this day.