The hot weather has affected the volunteering activities over the last few weeks but we have a programme in place for the rest of 2026. We are aware that there is a need to cut back growth across the path and we have some dates planned to do some cutting back and trimming. We have cleared the un welcome growth around the plantings at the Chiltern Road crossing. The main action at the moment is to find a way of watering all the whips in this dry and hot period – if anyone can do some watering the that would be most welcome.
We are pleased to say we have a grant from Affinity Water to do some hedge laying near the Harness Way open space. We really appreciate their support and hope this will be done at the end of year.
We are also very grateful for those of you who buy St Albans Community Lottery tickets. This provides a valuable source of funds which help support our activities.
Look out for more activity as 2026 progresses – there is plenty to do and we always need volunteers
Unveiling of the shared usage signs
The repeater shared usage signs
The pile of rubble collected from the Lane
Cleared area at Fernleys for wild flower seeding
Welcome to Friends of Jersey Lane
Jersey Lane is a pedestrian route linking the communities of Marshalswick, Jersey Farm and Sandridge. Originally a country road, vehicles were prohibited as Jersey Farm was constructed. It is now a fully lit pedestrian route used by cyclists, walkers, runners, dog walkers and for general recreation.
Friends of Jersey Lane was established in 2023 to maintain and improve this green corridor. Our aim is to improve the biodiversity of the Lane, protect the trees and shrubs, encourage birds, bats and butterflies, whilst still ensuring it is a safe route for social users and commuters.
You can contact us via: friendsofjerseylane@gmail.com
Learn More on our Volunteers Page
NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2026
Dear Member
RECENT ACTIVITIES Well, Spring has definitely sprung, and our volunteer work parties have been busy of late planting a variety of native hedging in two sites on the Lane: one close to the right-angled bend below Ardens Way and the other in the space – previously cleared of an invasive growth of laurel – adjacent to the Chiltern Road junction. We have also begun path-widening at the northernmost end of the Lane, brush-cutting encroaching bramble and other growth. We are always very grateful for any offers of help, so please keep an eye out for details of future work party projects and, if you have some time to spare, come along and join us!
ST.ALBANS DISTRICT COMMUNITY LOTTERY As you are probably aware, FoJL is not externally funded, so we need to raise revenue in any way we can. You could help us raise the funds we need to carry out our work by taking out a subscription to the St. Albans District Community Lottery and nominating FoJL as your chosen ‘good cause’. Just use the following link to ensure that 50p of every £1 ticket you purchase is put towards our funds:
https://www.stalbansdistrictlottery.co.uk/support/friends-of-jersey-lane
There is a weekly draw with a jackpot of £25,000 and several other cash prizes as well as free tickets.Please let your family and friends know as well.
SHARED USAGE SIGNS We are pleased to let you know that the installation of new, shared usage signs for the Lane is now complete. We should be able to give you a date for the official ‘unveiling’ ceremony in the very near future. The signs deliver the message ‘Share with Care’, emphasising that the Lane is a community asset shared by a variety of users. They have been fixed to existing lampposts and other highway posts at all road intersections with the Lane, including Briar Road, the entrance to Jersey Farm shops and the Woodland Park. Repeater signs will also be fitted at intervals.
Thank you for your support & we look forward to seeing you at one of our forthcoming events.
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ACTIVITIES
We have recently cleared back the vegetation from the section at the Sandridge end of the Lane to allow better access. This has made a considerable difference to the light and space for users. We are planing to do the same in other areas such as where Fernleys meets the Lane and other areas. We also attempted to improve the drainage at the 90 degree bend which had some impact. That is an ongoing issue and needs a more robust solution. We have removed some large laurels along the Lane which has let in more light.
We have recently planted 0ver 400 more whips and holly in more areas. We have more to plant. Please do water the plants if you are able. Thanks to HCC for supplying the plants. We have managed to clear a number of areas of previously tipped green waste which has made a difference to the look of the Lane. We remain keen to remind everyone that they should not be using the Lane as a dump for green and other waste – this is actually fly tipping and is banned by HCC.
Thanks to everyone who also litter picks along the Lane. This unannounced job is greatly appreciated and greatly improves the environment. Please do report any issues that you notice as HCC are responsive to our advices and concerns.
We are excited to say that some signage will appear soon which will in the main remind users that it is a multi user lane with a recommended speed limit for cyclists. We are hopeful this will alert users to the differing demands and bring some awareness of the value to the community.
Please look out for further volunteering days as we get further into Spring. There is much more to do and the support is key to achieving that work.
INFORMATION FROM OUR LAST AGM
Thanks to everyone who came to the AGM of Friends of Jersey Lane. The meeting included a fascinating presentation from Malcolm Hull of Herts and Middlesex Butterfly Conservation. The link to the slides is below. Please do contact us if you want to be involved in any way.
Malcolm Hull presentation: Powerpoint
