This petition is to restore full, free and safe public access to all land, footpaths and water affiliated to Aldenham Reservoir, including removal of fencing and raising of the water level.

Aldenham Reservoir is an asset we must save to be enjoyed by further generations! It is a treasured green space used by North London and Hertfordshire residents to relax, exercise and enjoy nature with friends and family. 

The Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society, on behalf of local residents, is gravely concerned by the state of Aldenham Reservoir.

We want all interested parties to meet and have meaningful conversations on how the situation can be resolved to meet the requirements above.

These parties being Hertfordshire County Council, the owner of the land surrounding the lake, Aldenham Renaissance, the company leasing Aldenham Country Park from HCC, Liberty Lake Leisure Ltd. (LLLL), the owners of the lake and Hertsmere Borough Council, the local Council authority.

This historically important site was built from 1795 to 1797 by French prisoners of war for use by the Grand Union Canal as a storage reservoir. The site was on marshy land that even the Romans had to circumvent when building Watling Street. In 1839 Charles Dickens enjoyed boating on the water, in 1883 it was well known to ornithologists and anglers and in the 1920’s and 30’s it was a popular alternative to the seaside with a beach and bathing.

Until recently hundreds of visitors each week flocked to enjoy the famous and tranquil circular walk around the reservoir, admiring the abundance of flora and fauna, feeding the geese and exploring the woodland tracks. On Saturday mornings the Aldenham Park Run was always busy, taking runners twice round the reservoir. It has been the home to the Aldenham Sailing Club since the 1920’s and the fishing club fish, in competition with the herons, for the carp, roach, bream and pike. This is an idyllic setting that has been enjoyed for generations before us and we want it to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Currently the reservoir is fenced off to the public so the circular walk is no longer possible and the water level has been dropped causing stinking mud flats. The Sailing Club has been forced to close after 100 years on the Reservoir teaching many schools and disabled people, as a thriving club. The Park Run route is no longer accessible.

We need your support!

We need county and countrywide support from individuals and organisations, to achieve our aim of ensuring this petition is discussed in Parliament and all necessary steps are taken to restore public access and secure the future of Aldenham Reservoir as a public facility.

Please sign now to restore Aldenham Reservoir to its former glory.