The final phase of walking maps, which offer a fascinating 4,000 year timeline of Wheathampstead, whave been unveiled

The completion of the the Wheathampstead Heritage Trail welcomed five new interpretation panels, the release of a parish wide walking map and the launch of a new website.

This is the second in a series of walking maps, which now extends the trail over six new walks of between 4.3 miles and 7.9 miles. These trails offer walkers to take in some of the most beautiful parts of Hertfordshire’s countryside while learning about the colourful history.

The first phase of the project, The Village Centre Heritage Trail, with its twenty green and gold plaques dotted around the village, was opened three years ago and compliments the longer walks, revealing fascinating facts about Wheathampstead’s heritage along its one and a quarter mile route. 

The Project Team was made up of villagers including former Mayor and Councillor Annie Brewster, acting as the Heritage Lottery Fund project leader and Parish Council Chairman, Councillor David Johnston, managing the implementation.

Councillor Johnston said: "Today was the icing on the cake for the project team. Our village centre Heritage Trail has grown in popularity since it was first opened in late 2011. 

"We can now offer residents and visitors beautiful countryside walks and a peek into our rich history all in one go. The website is the gateway to our history and a fabulous, evolving resource for students, residents and visitors."

The joint project between the parish council, Wheathampstead and District Preservation Society and the village business group Wheathampstead for Enterprising Business was funded by a £38,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund together with £14,500 match funding from other various organisations.

Councillor Brewster, who spoke at the event before unveiling the new interpretation boards, added: "The project started as a way to encourage visitors into the village to support our High Street but it has also delighted local residents to learn more about our 4,000 year timeline. 

"It has given us the opportunity to improve the look of our Parish with a consistent style of green and gold street furniture and is a fine testament to what can be achieved by a relatively small community working together."

The new maps are available from the parish council offices in Marford Road or from inside the Red Telephone Box in the High Street.  For more information visit: www.wheathampsteadheritage.org.uk.