North Herts Council says it is continuing work to make the district's parks and nature reserves more accessible, with a range of improvements delivered over the past year and more planned for 2026.

The council, working with volunteers and specialist contractors, has been carrying out maintenance and upgrades designed to help residents of all ages and abilities enjoy local green spaces.

Accessibility improvements are guided by priorities set out in the council's Greenspace Action Plans, with work taking place across a number of well-used sites including Oughtonhead Common, Weston Hills, and Ivel Springs.

Volunteer work helping maintain sites

Much of the regular upkeep is carried out by volunteers from Hertfordshire County Council's Countryside Management Service (CMS) along with local community Friends Of groups.

Their work includes:

• Clearing vegetation from footpaths and around benches, signs and other park furniture
• Maintaining boardwalks by removing vegetation build-up and replacing damaged boards
• Topping up hardcore around kissing gates to make them easier to use

Major improvements at several reserves

Alongside volunteer work, contractors have delivered several larger improvements.

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At Oughtonhead Common, the perimeter footpath has been resurfaced and wooden gates replaced with new mobility-friendly metal kissing gates, making the area easier to access for wheelchair users and people using mobility aids.

At Weston Hills, main footpaths and the car park have been resurfaced, while at Ivel Springs the footpath alongside the equestrian centre has also been upgraded.

More works planned in 2026

Further improvements are planned across the district this year.

These include:

• Ivel Springs (Baldock) – a new surfaced woodland path and additional path improvements
• Oughtonhead Common – installation of two more accessible kissing gates

Inclusive play equipment upgrades

The council has also been improving accessibility in playgrounds across North Herts.

Recent work at Purwell Recreation Ground in Hitchin includes installing rubber surfacing at the entrance and first section of the play area to make it easier to use during wet weather, along with a fully accessible seesaw.

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More play area renovation sites for 2026 are expected to be confirmed soon.

Council: Accessibility a priority

Cllr Amy Allen, North Herts Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "Accessibility and inclusion improvements are at the heart of our approach to managing green spaces. Whether it's enhancing paths, installing more accessible gates, or adding inclusive play area equipment, every improvement helps open our parks to more people.

"This is a real team effort by North Herts Council along with the volunteers led by the Countryside Management Service. Together we're showing that North Herts is a district that values its environment, supports its communities and is committed to creating greener, healthier, and more inclusive places for everyone."