Alistair Hardaker | Image: Hertford Castle Greenspace Renewal Site Sketch
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards grant to Hertford Town Council for conservation work, play area redesign and accessibility improvements.
Hertford Town Council has been awarded £3.5 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a project to renew the grounds of Hertford Castle.
The council and its partners, East Herts District Council and Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service, will use the funding to deliver a masterplan focused on heritage conservation, biodiversity enhancement, accessibility and community benefit. The works are subject to statutory permissions and consents.
The project includes conservation of the motte, curtain wall, icehouse and other historic features, restoration of the River Lea’s riverbanks and improved wildlife habitats, a complete redesign of the children’s play area, upgraded paths, bridges and step-free routes, improvements to the Ashley Webb Shelter, new seating, enhanced planting and biodiversity, new interpretation and signage, and a programme of community activities, volunteering and events.
The Hertford Castle Greenspace Renewal project has undertaken surveys, heritage and ecological assessments and community consultation over the past 18 months. Surveys confirmed the habitats of otters, bats and water voles in the grounds. Community consultation included surveys about how residents and visitors use the greenspace, accessibility research with local support groups and charities, and events such as a BioBlitz in March 2025 which recorded over 30 different bird species.
Councillor Ann Woodward, chair of the Development and Leisure Committee said: “Hertford Town Council and its partners have been listening to the views of our community to shape the plans for the grounds of Hertford Castle – the much-loved greenspace in the very heart of our wonderful town. The site, so steeped in history and heritage, is a rich habitat for wildlife, host to the River Lea and a haven of natural beauty. This investment will improve the site in so many ways, for the benefit of all – for generations to come.”
Improvement works are expected to take place throughout 2028 and 2029. The grant represents 83 per cent of the project cost, with Hertford Town Council contributing £495,949.
