05 May 2025
The newly re-formed Friends of Verulamium Park society was formally launched at the Abbey Theatre with a substantial number of new members filling the auditorium.
In a hugely successful evening, the number of members rocketed from the initial 16 members to an impressive 200 or so.
The interim chair, Bill Free, introduced the event and explained that the society aims to be a voice for users of the park, and to provide volunteers to help enhance its environment, archaeological integrity and usability.
Using slides provided by Malcolm Hull, he gave an overview of the huge variety of wildlife and plants across the park including newly introduced water voles and rare species of butterflies and birds such as yellow-browed warblers and kingfishers.
Dan Flitton of SADC summarised the work currently being carried out in the park, which includes cutting back trees on the banks of the River Ver to enhance wildlife and improve water quality and creating wetlands to support natural flooding with pedestrian bridges to improve accessibility. Dan outlined future works, including the drawing up of detailed designs for improvements to the lake.
This was supported by John Pritchard of the Ver Valley Society who explained the need for chalk streams like the River Ver to have good flow and high quality of water to provide a suitable habitat for indigenous plants and insects.
John summarised the role of his society and how it could work with and support the Friends.
Catherine Newley of St Albans Museums gave an overview of the history of the park. She described the original Iron Age settlement, the creation of the Roman town of Verulamium, its destruction by Boudicca and rebuilding by the Romans into a fortified town, and the re-use of the Roman bricks in the 1100s to build the Cathedral.
It was converted into a public park in the 1930s after extensive archaeological excavations, the results of which, such as the remarkable mosaics, can be seen in Verulamium Museum.
Most of the questions after the presentations focussed on current and future works in the park. In response Dan Flitton provided an honest assessment of what was and was not possible given the physical and financial constraints.
The meeting concluded with Bill Free thanking the speakers, the Abbey Theatre for hosting the event at no charge and the attendees for such an amazing turnout and interaction.
Next steps will be the setting up of voluntary groups to help improve the park, including the removal of potentially damaging foliage from the Roman wall, and an AGM to confirm key committee roles.
“The theatre was packed, demonstrating the value the people of St Albans place on Verulamium Park,” said Bill afterwards.
“Their interest and enthusiasm went beyond our expectations and promises a bright future for the Friends.
“Verulamium Park is an important part of St Albans and one of the reasons visitors come from far and wide. It offers a unique combination of wildlife, recreation and history all in one space and needs careful stewardship. As such, the Friends of Verulamium Park are keen to contribute to its future.”
The Friends welcome more members. Joining instructions can be found here.
Photos by Dr Robert Wareing.
