A keen walker teamed up with a rambling organisation to save community access to a treasured woodland.

Back in 2015, the landowner of Park Wood, off Ragged Hall Lane in Chiswell Green, decided to enclose the woods and prevent access.

Jeff Bates, who lives locally, was saddened he could no longer enjoy the woodland, and investigated whether he could get a public right of way to cover what he thought of as well-established paths.

When Hertfordshire County Council rejected an application to add several paths through Park Wood to the definitive map of public rights of way, Mr Bates got in touch with Britain’s biggest walking charity, The Ramblers, to see if it could help.

The charity helped with an appeal against the county council’s decision, pointing out the council had not taken into account a decision made by the House of Lords in 2007 with regards to access.

The appeal was successful, and the council has now added 2.4km of public footpaths through the woods to the definitive map.

Read more: Rare butterflies back at Whippendell Wood and Cassiobury Park

Watford Observer: Credit: The RamblersCredit: The Ramblers

Mr Bates said: ”I have walked the paths in Park Wood since I was a teenager and after moving back to the area in 1995, they became an essential part of my life. Walking the dog and enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the countryside has given a massive boost to my mental health through challenging times.

"When the application to the county council was refused, I contacted the Ramblers team who took an active interest in the case and provided free, expert legal advice. I am very grateful to them because without their assistance, use of this wood would have been lost to the local community forever.

"With their continued support we have received the final confirmation order, so these paths now enjoy full, permanent, public access."

Read more: Watford parks receive county's most Green Flag awards

He added: "Without the Ramblers Association’s assistance, this popular amenity would have been lost to the local community. The Ramblers rely entirely on donations to survive, so please give something to say thank you for all their invaluable assistance."

Mr Bates has launched a Just Giving page to help support The Ramblers. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/parkwood-stalbans

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.