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And a project to restore an area of green space, that will directly benefit the Mimram and its environs, has been launched by villagers in Digswell.

The hope is to turn Digswell playing fields into an important riverside refuge for wildlife.

The project has been launched by Digswell Residents Association (DRA), with guidance from the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency.

The aim is to establish a wildlife area near the paved area at the far side of the playing fields.

Access to the pond will be improved, with a pond dipping platform and information boards.

There will also be viewing platforms overlooking the river, while improving the riverside habitat for wildlife is another aim.

The project also hopes to improve the sports facilities and playground equipment at the site.

DRA spokesman Barry Glynn said the key to the project was establishing residents’ views regarding what was wanted at the site, and then making it happen.

He said: “We believe the sense of community which can be established by working on improvements together is as important as the physical improvements anticipated.

“We’re all enjoying actually getting our hands dirty together as a wider community team!”

A working party of volunteers was gathered to get to grips with the project – with the ‘patio’ area cleared of grass and weeds for the first time in many years.

Nettles and undergrowth were blitzed from large areas bordering the pond, with help from workers at Finesse Leisure, which manages the site on behalf of Welwyn Hatfield Council.

Mr Glynn said it was hoped to have regular working party sessions, and called on others to get involved.

“It’s perfect for families,” he said.

“It’s great for the children to be actively involved in a local, hands-on, project where they can see the difference they are making.

“We want Digswell people to come together to recreate and build something positive.”

* To get involved with the project email Heidi Conroy at digswellplayarea@hotmail.co.uk or see the DRA website at www.digswellra.org.uk for more information.

* YOU continue to respond in your droves to our campaign to save the River Mimram.

We have joined forces with the Friends of the Mimram to tackle the problem of over-abstraction of the chalk river.

A proposal by the Environment Agency would reduce the amount of water taken out of the Mimram by a third – and we need to show the Government enough people in the area back the idea.

So join us and sign the petition (click on the link above right) and send it to: River Mimram petition, Welwyn Hatfield Times, c/o Bank House, Primett Road, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 3EE.

Download a copy and get your friends and family to sign it too.

If you would like to know more about the Friends visit www.friendsofthemimram.co.uk

It’s also free to join if you would like to be kept up-to-date with what’s happening to the river.