Parish council 'thrilled' at new HLS status (From Watford Observer)

Chorleywood Parish Council awarded higher level stewardship (HLS) status by Natural England

2:00pm Wednesday 2nd January 2013 in News By Ben Endley, Senior reporter

Additional funding will be made available to help manage Chorleywood Common after Chorleywood Parish Council was awarded higher level stewardship (HLS) status by Natural England.

The 200 acre common is a county heritage site and a local nature reserve, and it is understood to be the first time HLS status has been bestowed on a parish council.

The higher level stewardship runs until 2022 and will enable the parish council to offer educational visits to schools.

Chairman Lyn Sutherland said "We are thrilled that the application for higher level stewardship has been successful and that Natural England has recognised all the hard work put in by parish staff".

Wildlife ponds where protected Great Crested Newts breed will also be managed by the council.