Environment and roads

Latest News Online - Autumn 2008

Weather,weather and more weather
After the wash out in late May, summer briefly appeared only to return to a really poor August. If you can avoid the rain you can still see chickens, geese and ducks, rabbits, goats and pigs in the outdoor farm with its open pens. We have new piglets born in late April and May as well as two new Bagot goat kids. More goats are arriving soon to kick start our breeding regime after the recent restrictions on animal movements because of foot and mouth. We should also see lambs next spring for after a year's gap.
We also have a new shire horse foal....called Major..... born in early June.... a first for Aldenham. He can be seen with his mother, Duchess in home field near to the play area when the weather is dry. However, we do need to protect them in the early stages by keeping the public at a distance. All our horses, sheep and cattle can be seen in our open fields (weather permitting).
Although the farm opens at 10am and closes at 4.30 the car park fee is only £4 on weekdays outside school holidays.

What's New
We have two sets of newly born cross bred piglets - they are a mix of Berkshire and Gloucester Old Spot that have produced dalmation puppy like litters. We also have red and black ones - a cross between the Berkshire and Tamworth breeds.
We still have Fusilier, our shire horse who has been joined by another mare, Duchess, on hire (see above). The traditional work done by Shires and other heavy horses in farming and haulage has declined but they can still have a useful role and we intend to train and occasionally use our new horses for display and work in the Park.
We have around six breeds of chicken - all rare. Breeding of these and other poultry and farm animals is an important part of the national drive to maintain and increase dying breeds, championed by the Rare Breed Survival Trust. It is for this reason that we are unable to respond to the many requests we receive from the public to take in pet rabbits, chickens etc.

Unfortunately, some of our rarer chickens - Jubilee Game - were stolen last year. Happily, CCTV and alarmed premises keep this sort of occurrence rare.

Increase and Decrease in Charges!
Season tickets have increased across the board for the first time since before the year 2000. Exit charges were increased from April 2nd in 2007 to £5 at weekends, school and public holidays but the charge stays at £4 at all other times. These prices will remain stable into 2008. However, our new winter tariff means that during weekdays outside school holidays you can enjoy a visit to the Park for just £2. Remember all funds go directly back to the running and improvement of the Park and the Rare Breeds Farm.
Prices will now remain stable for the foreseeable future.

Recent Events
Many teddy bears arrived for the traditional July 2008 Picnic in 100 Aker Wood with their owners who had their faces painted and enjoyed the story telling. It really is getting to be a sustantial event run by our friends from Nysa Productions (www.nysa.co.uk) and 2009 will offer more of the same.

Aldenham Country Park plays host to a Farmers Market on the last Saturday of every month. Usually we see around 12 stalls selling meat and game, vegetables, pies, cakes, bread, honey, fudge and condiments. Car Parking and entry during the market which runs from 10am to 2pm is free.

As an income generator the Park has also engaged a Christmas Party Organiser, Best Parties Ever to host corporate parties in the Park during December. Each party can accommodate up to 1100 guests by invitation only within a temporary heated marquee site in South Park. Despite a certain amount of upheaval the process is now relatively trouble free and renovations take place soon after the final party. YOu can call them for further info on 0844 499 4040 or go to their website at www.bestpartiesever.com

Buildings and Improvements
The long awaited classroom extension was completed in 2006 and teachers who have brought children on school visits since to the Park have appreciated having toilets, washbasins and space to hang coats and bags. The classroom has also been fully renovated with a kitchen unit, display cabinet and new tables and chairs. This is now available to hire - please contact the Park for availabilty and prices.
Our new washing facility was also completed last year and provides a high level of hygiene for farm visitors. It also includes a new information room which in future will contain a state of the art multimedia broadcast about the Park.

Online and Onfilm
There is an interesting piece of film about the Park taken by the Borehamwood Times which now features online. Check out the paper's video archive at www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk

Double Yellows
Many people have commented on the amount of cars that park outside the Park, particularly on the Aldenham Road, on busy days. Although the Park is not always full there is still a tendency to park on the pavement and walk in for free. This is a real hazard for pedestrians and througn traffic alike. However, in the near future double yellow lines and related parking restrictions will be installed on the Aldenham Road and Dagger Lane from the Watford Road to the A41.


Below you can find previous years newsletters by clicking and viewing the .pdf files below.