Meet Paul, a Trustee of Colne Valley Park and a dedicated volunteer in our Colne Valley Visitor’s centre.
“Paul, please tell us more about what a visitor can find here?”
Well first of all we offer wide range of maps, trails, walks and information here across the whole of the Colne Valley regional park. We are always happy to help and are open most of the days of the year. You can also try out some orienteering with maps and compasses available to rent or buy and different fun activities, such as brass rubbing for example. People can come for the whole day and still not have enough time to properly explore just Denham County Park. Children are able to river dip, build dens in the woodland area and bug hunt with sheets available to purchase. It is really enjoyable to meet new people and help them discover all that we have to offer.
Paul volunteering at the Colne Valley Visitor Centre
Colne Valley Park Trustees and Groundwork South Staff Members
“I hear the walks are a big hit with people, why do you think that is?”
I think it is mainly due to the variety and flexibility of them all and of course we reference good places to drink and eat along the way! There are 18 circular walks available to print off from the website or to pick up from here at the visitor’s centre. Not only do you get to keep yourself fit and healthy, but it brings you closer to nature and together of course. It provides you with many opportunities to really appreciate and understand the environment around you.
For anyone wanting to discover more of the Colne Valley Park with friends and family, this is the ideal way to do it – one walk at a time. The routes are great for those who want to walk occasionally or for those who want to make it a regular thing and vary in length from one mile to five. The walks are very varied and are available across the whole valley from beautiful woodlands to meadows and interesting farmland to adventurous canal walks. It’s all out there waiting to be enjoyed!’
We also run regular guided walks which helps people enjoy and learn about the wildlife on their doorstep. The guided walks are always really popular and we are hoping to run future events soon. Watch out for guided walks on our events page.
“There is our “Colne Valley Trail” of course which is a walking route which stretches down the middle of the Colne Valley Regional Park. Parts of it are also accessible for cyclists and horseriders. The main trail runs down the spine of the valley from Rickmansworth to Colnbrook. You can also turn off in Uxbridge and onto the other section of the trail and go on a pleasant walk through historic parkland to Langley. ‘The Colne Valley Trail is a wonderful way to get a flavour of what the Colne Valley is all about! You can quietly take in the historic canal, the industrial gravel pits, the enchanting village conservation areas, the colourful hedgerows, the fantastic views and much more”
The Colne Valley Trail is currently undergoing an upgrade as part of the Landscape Partnership Scheme. The aim of this project is to update the signage to provide clear, attractive and informative signs to mark the route and allow people to easily follow the path through the Valley.
THIRD Saturday of each month Paul leads a walk in Iver. “Simply Walk your way to better health in Iver Village” – the walk is around 1¼ and 1¾ hours long, on country lanes and maintained footpaths with occasional stiles. This event is organised by Buckinghamshire County Council – in cooperation with the Iver & District Countryside Association. For more details visit their website at www.buckscc.gov.uk/simplywalk. If you are interested in getting involved either as a walker or a helper, please get in touch via email: [email protected] or phone Simply Walk on 01494 475 367.
There is so much to see and do here, it really is so good for everyone’s well being and such a wonderful place to come, please do visit us soon.
Paul leading a Bluebell walk 2019
Pavement clearing Oct 2018 in Iver, Langley Park Road
Northmoor Hill Wood Volunteer Team December 2019
