Blackbirds Lane runs from Kemprow, Aldenham to Aldenham 22 Crab Lane and Commonmeadow Lane, the one river ford on the Water Meadows, and thence to School Lane, Bricket Wood. Until recently, its status was not in doubt. However, the county council's web site now records it as being public only from Kemprow to Blackbirds Farm. This doesn't explain, of course, where the Sewage Works bridleway (Aldenham 74) goes when it meets Blackbirds Lane, nor how many riders have been using this path for as long as anyone can remember. Worse still, in April 2006, a new gate appeared at the southern end. This is a clear attempt to bring the public's right to use the path into question, and so we must vigorously defend the lane. Nevertheless, because doubt has been introduced, the path needs to have its status proven. To do this, the Trust is collecting statements from people who have ridden this path. To complete our recording application, we need people who have ridden the path to get in touch. We will send an evidence form to you if you email us. Please say when you first rode the path, and when you last rode it.

Ordnance Survey plan of route (shown in red) Image based on original obtained from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service (2005). Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey.

Legal History 28 Dec 05: Application made to have this path recorded. 19 Dec 07: Hertfordshire County Council announce their formal decision to make an order at Restricted Byway status. 26 Jun 08: Order made to record route as a restricted byway. Objections received. Public inquiry process likely.

Definitive Statement (1 Dec 2005) This route is not yet recorded and so there is no definitive statement.

© 2008 Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust. File reference: EC329