HARPENDEN Society has published a new booklet listing all the herbs, plants and trees seen on Harpenden Common between 1942 and 2001.

The free booklet, Plants on Harpenden Common, lists 293 different species of herbs, grasses, rushes, sedges, bulbs, ferns and various types of trees.

In 1987, Harpenden Society member Joan Thurston produced a list of species which include white water-lily herbs, sweet vernal grass and horse chestnut trees spotted on The Common between 1942 and 1986. It was amended in 1988.

Harpenden Councillor Richard Bromilow and Rothamsted worker Ian Denholm have updated the list with the Harpenden Society and town council.

Councillor Bert Pawle, Harpenden Mayor, said: "Harpenden Common is a wonderful space for people to enjoy and is a rich haven for wildlife.

"I'm sure this booklet will be of interest to anyone who wishes to find out more about the flowers and plants found there."

Mrs Heather Bardner, of the Harpenden Society, added: "We're delighted that the list of plants so carefully documented by Joan Thurston has been recognised and brought up-to-date.

In summer 2001, the Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre completed a survey of the common. Guided by this survey, the Countryside Management Service prepared a management plan for the 250-acre site.

More areas will be given over to hay meadow and a programme of tree and scrub management will take place. Trimming and pruning work has already been carried out.

The Common, which is used by Harpenden golf, football and cricket clubs, has now been designated a wildlife site because it contains some of the few remaining areas of heathland in the county.

Copies of the booklet are available from the Harpenden Town Council offices in Leyton Road.

October 1, 2002 18:30