One of the most enthusiastic volunteer groups in the village refer to themselves as just Friends .. in this case short for Friends of Chorleywood House Estate (FOCHE) .
We talked to Friends Tim Venner, Doug King and Eleanor Clarke to find out what’s so special about the Estate and why we should be taking advantage of this natural parkland on our doorstep
FOCHE aren’t the first to be passionate about the grounds of the mansion just off the Chorleywood road. Lady Ela Russell, who took over Chorleywood House in 1892, loved her land so much that she put her foot firmly down and refused to plough up the grassland for planting vegetable.
At Watford Police Court on Tuesday, 16th March 1918, Lady Ela was summoned under the Defence of the Realm Regulations for ‘failing to cultivate land’. To put it mildly, Lady Russell did not agree with the Order… She announced that if the Committee insisted on having the land ploughed she would sell her cows, shut up the house, and go to London. The Bench inflicted the full penalty of £100 and costs.*
To this day the Estate remains unspoiled. Lady Ela would be very happy. The vast natural parkland, which is as big as the Common (170 acres), stretches through woodland right down to the River Chess where the shallow water makes it perfect for paddling. The site is teaming with natural life and wild flowers and has so many trees from historic cedars, to apple and plum trees in the Community Orchard. There are three sign-posted walks and there’s a wealth of history connected with the estate including a permanent exhibition in the Japanese summer house focused around Lady Ela ( open bank holidays) .
You can play tennis on the hard courts (no booking needed) and there is a charming installation of wood sculptures in the Dell . Cycling and ball games permitted on the land.
Chorleywood House Estate is the sort of family attraction that usually involves a day trip and entry fee but it’s all free, just up the road and is never crowded.
The Estate is maintained incredibly well thanks to FOCHE with the support of Three Rivers DC. Over the last 6 yrs they have restored the fire pond and the Victorian Sunken Garden beside it (It now has water lilies and goldfish.) They have created a wildflower area (Dell Mound), restored and replenished the derelict farm pond in the Dell as well as constantly doing routine jobs like cutting grass and clearing brambles and nettles – notably from the riverside picnic site we all love.
“ It’s very satisfying helping to upkeep the estate as a truly family environment.“ say Tim Venner. “Friends are a really social group of people, we do a lot of work and we always have a coffee & cake break! We are quietly proud of the space which has been given a Green Flag award again – the judges described it as “a remarkable space in first class condition’ and mentioned the voluntary involvement – us! A lot of people aren’t aware that it is a Public Open Space. Three Rivers support us so well. They are currently working with Countryside Management Service on a plan for the Estate which will cover things like improved access, digital information and improved signage so it should become even better in years to come. But it will always need volunteers to keep it at its best.”
Chorleywood Estate Summer House, WD3 5FL opens Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday and May bank holiday
FOCHE need more members.. Subs £5 a year towards provision of tools and materials. Working parties meet on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays mornings each month, to weed, prune, clear undergrowth or learn coppicing and hedge-laying skills. email timvenner@aol.com