This neighbourhood, nestled between Bushey and Bushey Heath, has a characteristic suburban feel with its broad streets, and wide range of housing, including period cottages and Victorian terrace housing. The majority of houses are semi-detached, accompanied by spacious driveways and private outdoor space. With a number of good schools being within easy reach of the area – it’s no wonder why this neighbourhood is becoming so popular with Londoners, especially those with families. One of the particular draws of this area is its proximity to a plethora of recreational open spaces, including Hartsbourne Country Club, Aldenham Country Park, and Hilfield Park Reservoir. Residents enjoy coming to these spaces at the weekend, where they may walk and experience local wildlife. And of an evening, there is always time to stop off at one of the local pubs, including The Royal Oak and The Horse & Chains, which are always happy to offer quality home-cooked food and a pint!

One of the roads on the very edge of the locality, Sparrows Herne, gets its name from the toll road that used to exist here during the 18th Century, named Sparrows Herne Turnpike Road. This road connected Aylesbury to London, whilst also leading on to other roads which allowed travellers to continue further north. Whilst the road itself does not remain, it is possible to see the approximate route that it took by looking at the A41. The road has a bit of a dark history, rooted in legend and folklore. It is reported that due to the area being densely covered by trees, it became notorious territory for thieves and highwaymen, who waited in the shadows for passing vehicles.

Hilfield Park Reservoir is the oldest Local Nature Reserve in Hertfordshire. It is home to a large number of bird species, and in 2011 an Eastern Crowned Warbler was discovered here – it was only the second to ever be found in Britain!

The location of the M1 motorway to the north of the neighbourhood can be seen as particularly disruptive as it forms a barrier between the neighbourhood and the two nearby reservoirs/country parks. This makes accessing these spaces fairly difficult unless done by car. Despite this, the M1 is an asset to residents in this neighbourhood as it allows good access to central London and the North.

As part of a practice of public engagement in developing the new Local Plan, the local council have asked residents for their input in deciding where new homes should be located in Hertsmere. One of the suggested locations is on land that is south-east of the local Hart’s Farm Stables. If this proposed location was accepted it would see the development of 310 homes, which would be a mix of housing and tenure types, new community facilities, and it would make space available for a school, on the green belt land that is currently used for grazing. The proposal is not however, unanimously popular, garnerning over 240 objections from local petitioners.