Litter pick takes place at Aldenham Reservoir

Members of Elstree & Borehamwood Residents Association, Save Aldenham Reservoir campaigners, representatives from Cleaner Borehamwood, and councillors spent their day at Aldenham Reservoir.

They all split into various teams clearing up rubbish and litter both around the reservoir and in the surrounding parkland.

When a fence, which restricts walks, was erected around part of Aldenham Reservoir in the summer, private owners Liberty Lake Leisure Ltd said one of the reasons behind constructing the fence was because visitors throw rubbish, some of which the owners believe have an impact on wildlife.

Litter picking by the dam. Credit: Teresa Lloyd

A recently built fence at Aldenham Reservoir

Dan Ozarow, from the Save Aldenham Reservoir campaign group, said he was "surprised" at how little litter they found on Sunday but did say they could see rubbish behind the new fence, which they were not able to reach.

Dr Ozarow said: "I'd like to thank everyone who volunteered their Sunday afternoon to help at the litter pick.

"Going round, we were actually surprised at how little litter there was. This shows that the local community is generally very responsible when they enjoy the amenities here.

"But volunteers were astonished that there are no litter bins on any of the private land."

Credit: Teresa Lloyd

Last week, the leader of Hertsmere Borough Council confirmed talks had resumed between the council and Liberty on potential plans that the owners could bring forward which would allow them to receive an income at the reservoir.

The owners have a duty to maintain the reservoir but say they require an income to do so.

However, the current state of the reservoir, caused by a reduction in water level of a metre, has left the site looking very different to how it was in 2019.

Read more: Talks resume between council and reservoir owners

Read more: Private owners say reservoir is not for sale