Ash Green

Wood, Forest in Hertfordshire St. Albans

England

Ash Green

Signal mast Looking E to the signal mast at TL184103. — Signal mast Credit: Rob Hinkley

Ash Green is a small village located in the county of Hertfordshire, England. Situated amidst a beautiful woodland area, it is known for its picturesque setting and natural beauty. Surrounded by dense forests, it offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers.

The village of Ash Green is characterized by its abundance of greenery and tall ash trees, which give it its name. The woodlands surrounding the village provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, and birdwatching. The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including oak, beech, and birch trees, as well as various species of birds, deer, and squirrels.

Despite its peaceful and rural setting, Ash Green is conveniently located near major transport links. The nearby A1(M) motorway provides easy access to London and other major cities, making it a popular choice for commuters. The village is also well-connected by public transportation, with regular bus services to neighboring towns and villages.

In terms of amenities, Ash Green offers a range of facilities to cater to its residents' needs. There is a local primary school, a village hall, and a community center that host various events and activities throughout the year. Additionally, there are a few shops and pubs in the vicinity, providing essential services and a sense of community.

Overall, Ash Green, Hertfordshire is a charming village nestled in a woodland paradise. Its natural surroundings, coupled with its convenient location, make it an attractive place to live for those seeking a peaceful and idyllic lifestyle.

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Ash Green Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.766229/-0.28101567 or Grid Reference TL1808. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Signal mast

Looking E to the signal mast at TL184103.

Rob Hinkley

Signal mast and razor wire

Looking almost straight into the sun from TL185104 at the signal mast on the road coming east out of Sandridge. No normal phone mast this; the thing's ringed with two layers of razor wire fence and has a sign at the entrance with a royal coat of arms on it. Photo notes: for better results take photo in morning, not afternoon like I did - the mast's partially obscured by trees from the west, so better to be east of it with the sun behind you.

Rob Hinkley

Fork in the path

Looking North from TL188105, the path forking right into Symondshyde Great Wood

Rob Hinkley

Ramp into tunnel under the road called Woodcockhill

There is evidence of sand pit workings on both sides of the road.The trees in the distance are in Symondshydes Great Wood

Jack Hill

New Dutch Barn workshops Fairfolds Farm

This is obviously a farm refurbished as business premises

Jack Hill

Fairshot Court in Woodcockhill Sandridge

The gates were shut and barred but with no fence alongside the gate posts.

Jack Hill

Footpath in Symondshyde Great Wood

Footpath on western edge of Symondshyde Great Wood looking south.

Richard Mills

Wireless Mast, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge

Intriguing – This old-fashioned looking radio mast is stuck on the top of a minor hill in the Hertfordshire countryside and looks most incongruous. The map marks it as a wireless station and there are some mysterious road signs to “HOSDB”. I must find our more ... TL1810 : HOSDB (Home Office Scientific Development Branch) Sandridge

Chris Reynolds

HOSDB (Home Office Scientific Development Branch) Sandridge

The original site began 1939 as a wireless intercept station for the Foreign Office operated by GPO radio engineers and was used to intercept diplomatic traffic between enemy governments and their embassies. Initially the messages were in morse code but later Germany used high speed encryption and transmission equipment that needed to be recorded by undulators, a mechanised paper strip inking system. The results were sent by teleprinter to Bletchley park for decryption. The messages were of the highest value to Winston Churchill who received assessments every day. After WW2 it became part of the Diplomatic Wireless Service and remained largely unchanged until 1973 when it was handed over to the Home office. Sources - National Archives file HW55/3 & HW14/102, Link

Chris Reynolds

Fairfolds Farm, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge

Nos 1 and 2 Fairfold's Farm Cottages were built as a timber framed farmhouse in the 15th or 16th century with cross wings probably added in the 17th century. This was later turned into two 2 cottages. It has gabled wings at each end, slightly projecting and with steep pitched roofs. Centre right section was probably an open hall when first built. Link

In 1726 “Fearfull's Farm” was part of the Manor of Sandridge. The copyhold owner was John Huntsman and the tenant was Joseph Smith. The farm was a big one for the time at 229 acres. Link

Members of the Thrale family were farmers there in the second half of the 18th century until the death of Thomas Thrale in 1813. Thomas was succeeded by his brother-in-law Charles Parsons, who was there until 1834. The next farmer recorded there was James Cole. Later in the 19th century members of the George Family also farmed there as did George Byles.

Chris Reynolds

Fairfolds Farm showing gabled wings

For history of this 15th/16th century farm see TL1810 : Fairfolds Farm, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge

Chris Reynolds

An Old Tree and Fairfolds Farm, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge

For history of this 15th/16th century farm see TL1810 : Fairfolds Farm, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge

Chris Reynolds

A Distant View of Fairfolds Farm

For history of farm see TL1810 : Fairfolds Farm, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge

Chris Reynolds

A field of oil-seed rape at Fairfolds Farm

The Ordnance Survey shows a short length of footpath that runs close to the farm. While there is a finger post on the road the route is not clearly marked – but it runs between the hedge on the immediate left and the crop. The Woods in the distance are Sleeve Hall Wood and Hook's Wood.

Chris Reynolds