Why had fencing gone up around the reservoir?
As of 25th September 2020, the circular walk around Aldenham Reservoir has been re-opened for public access between 9am to 5pm. We have taken this decision following positive talks with Hertsmere Borough Council’s Planning Department.
We kindly ask the public to remain respectful and responsible when enjoying the circular walk around the reservoir and we are pleased to see so many people returning to this well-loved path. Our concern for the wildlife and the public remain a priority, hence why it is important that people do not veer off the designated pathways and avoid repeating many of the incidents that had led to the fencing being erected as stated below.
It is unsafe for the public to walk on the slurry.
Members of the public had been disregarding the many danger signs put up by us and have been walking on the dangerous silt slurry where water has receded. It appears dry on the surface but is deceiving the public into thinking it is safe. The slurry has occurred due to the reduced water level, read more about this here. Several incidents of people sinking knee deep have already occurred and the fire brigade has been called to pull them out. Police had also been called out recently when fights broke out between anglers and public picnicking on the silt and playing loud music. We cannot take a chance on the occurrence of a major serious incident and must take preventive measures as the liability is ours.
2. We cannot prevent littering around the reservoir without council support in bin provision or collection.
The liability for collecting rubbish lies with us as the owners. Members of the public have regularly left behind their litter, consisting of glass bottles, plastic cups, plastic bottles, juice cartons, paper napkins, baby nappies, condoms, sanitary pads, polystyrene coffee cups, ice cream covers, takeaway boxes and more, strewn all over the surrounding land and in some cases in the water itself. This is causing a health hazard for humans and wildlife, especially as it is all washing into the Reservoir causing damage to the health of the water, reptiles and amphibians. The council do not wish to assist with any costs or responsibility for rubbish collection and we are no longer able to sustain the level of litter collection required to maintain the area.
3. Aldenham Angling Club are our tenants and preserve rights around the reservoir.
We have given a licence to our tenant, The Aldenham Angling Club and one of the Landlords covenants requires us to ensure that the anglers are able to:
fish peacefully and safely
fish day or night
keep their equipment safe
keep the spawning areas safe from litter
fish around the entire Reservoir
4. Dogs are not being kept on their leashes despite safety warnings.
Dog lovers have repeatedly ignored signs to keep dogs on a leash and as a result, dogs have been seen jumping into the water ignoring the anglers fishing lines. This is extremely dangerous for the dogs themselves. In addition, without the presence of dog poo bins, dog owners are simply leaving their plastic bags on the floor and on trees across the property causing a health hazard and again endangering the wildlife.
5. A Tree Preservation Order has been confirmed on the surrounding woodland.
In June a Tree Preservation Order has been confirmed on the woodland surrounding the Reservoir which requires safeguarding the trees and woodland. The only way to ensure this is maintained is to ensure people do not wander off the footpath, damaging any part of the woodland, also preventing them from injury on hidden undergrowth and exposed roots, which (under the order) can no longer be controlled.
6. Members of the public have been using the reservoir for water sports without safe supervision.
People have been seen bringing their own canoes and paddle boards onto the Reservoir from the Country Park car park. As owners, we take our responsibility very strongly and would be liable if anyone was to get injured on our land. We simply cannot take the responsibility or liability of anyone coming to harm as there are currently no rescue boats or lifeguards on the Reservoir for their protection.