Ellenbrook Fields Country Park
A 400 acre country park on the former aerodrome site between Hatfield and St Albans is now open to the public.
The site, to be known as Ellenbrook Fields, was once part of the British Aerospace site and was at one time used as a jet engine test area and airfield. It has now been converted into a large open space for the public to enjoy.
Back in 2000, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and St Albans City & District Council secured the site as green space as part of the planning permission granted for the development of Hatfield Business Park by developers Arlington Land – the company formed from the aircraft manufacturer's property division.
Following land surveys and substantial landscaping, the site has been converted into parkland with footpaths, hay meadows, a bridleway and woodland. It will also retain the taxiway for heritage and access purposes and have information panels, picnic benches and seating. Approximately half of the remaining park land will then be used for cattle grazing with Longhorn Cows introduced into the park.
The site is currently managed by the developer, Goodman – the successor to Arlington Land. Eventually it will be handed to the Ellenbrook Park Preservation Trust which is being formed to maintain the site in the future. The Trust will be made up of representatives from Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, St Albans City and District Council, Hatfield Town Council, Colney Heath Parish Council, as well as Goodman.
Ellenbrook Park was used as part of the set for Saving Private Ryan in 1998 and Band of Brothers in 2001.
The footpaths and bridleways through Ellenbrook Fields are currently best accessed as part of a longer walk or ride as there is no dedicated car park. Depending on the use of the Fields, a small car park may be provided in the future if a suitable site can be found.
An information pack is avialable to download, and further information is available from Goodman's website.