The Stort Valley Project

Welcome to the Stort Valley Home Page

Who are we?

Membership of The Stort Valley Project is made up of local residents, mainly from Sawbridgeworth, but also from Spellbrook and Sheering. The group includes representatives from East Herts District Council and the Countryside Management Service. People representing these groups either live locally or are concerned with the local environment.

Why are we here?

The group was formed after an environmental report on the Stort Valley in 1997 by a group of visiting environmentalists from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. Some residents felt it was important to continue to protect the environment of the Stort Valley, as it was perceived by the visiting group.

What do we do?

The aim of the Stort Valley Project is not direct action but rather to act as an influencing force on local groups that have the power to affect local policy. We see ourselves as the "eyes and ears" of the Stort Valley, hoping to preserve or improve the natural environment.

What have we achieved?

We have been interested in such specific areas such as the Lock-Keepers Cottage, the flood plain, pollution on the A1184 and tree preservation. We have also expressed an interest in general plans for local development such as transport issues and housing allocation. We attend the relevant meetings of the EHDC Our latest project has been concerned with photographing the A1184 during gridlock when the maximum number of school children are walking to school. However taking them in the car will expose them to higher levels of pollution.

What next?

We are hoping to increase local awareness of the group and what we do. We would like more local people to be involved and stress that anyone can be involved in the group. The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month (Sayesbury Manor at 8pm) - please come along and find out what we're all about.

There is a Stort Valley Project folder available at Sawbridgeworth Library containing general information and minutes from previous meetings - check it out!