People sought for gardening good deed (From Harrow Times)

People sought for gardening good deed on Woodcock Hill Village Green in Borehamwood

10:50am Monday 17th October 2011 in News By Josh Darlington

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help clear a historic village green in Borehamwood.

People are urged to help tidy and trim back brambles on Woodcock Hill Village Green (WHVG), just north of Barnet Lane, on Mitzvah Day, which takes place on Sunday November 20.

The green, which was once the site of an optical telegraph during the Napoleonic Wars, relies on volunteers to maintain its wilder parts.

Members of The Jewish Lads and Girls Brigade and a group from Edgware Synagogue have already agreed to help, but more are welcome.

Chairman of the WHVG Committee, Pat Strack, who fought a 12-year battle to save the Green Belt land from development, said: “The committee will be at hand to help and we invite other volunteers to come along and help.

“It is worthwhile and fun.”

The committee, which last year welcomed members of the local Hindu community, will supply refreshments.

The day will start at 10.15am and finish at 12.30pm. For more information, contact Pat Strack via email at pat.strack@ntlworld.com.

The committee also recently secured funding for some more major clearing work, from three county councillors’ locality budgets.

Cllr Morris Bright (Con/Borehamwood South) and Cllr Caroline Clapper (Con/Watling) pledged £800, while Cllr Alan Plancey (Con/Borehamwood North) gave £500.

The WHVG Committee hopes the work will allow more varied species of wild flowers and wildlife to flourish on the green.

Mitzvah Day is a Jewish-led initiative that encourages people of all faiths to donate their time to charity.