Three Rivers District Council has been working with the Fire Service and a local livery stable to introduce Community Horse Patrols and Three Rivers Community Safety Partnership launched the new horse patrol project at the end of April. The project involves volunteer horse riders acting as 'eyes and ears' in Three Rivers, looking out for anti-social behaviour and incidents while out riding. Incidents such as fly-tipping, graffiti, abandoned vehicles will be reported. The project will be managed by Herts Fire and Rescue. Valley Farm Stables in Sarratt is the first stable involved.

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One of the most successful conservation projects ever carried out in the UK began in August 1989 in a quiet tranquil valley on the Bucks/Oxon border within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 5 young red kites were released into the wild. This project was to re-introduce a native species wiped out over previous centuries and by 2002, 139 pairs were breeding there. The project has been a great success and red kites have become a common sight. Find out more at www.chilternsaonb.org/red-kites

Between 1989 and 1994, kites from Spain were imported and released into the Chilterns by the RSPB and English Nature (now Natural England). Red kites started breeding in the Chilterns in 1992 and now there could be over 600 breeding pairs in the area. The reintroduction has been so successful it is not possible to monitor all the nests, so the overall size of the population can only be estimated.

Since 1999, chicks have been taken from the Chilterns to reintroduction sites in other parts of the country.

The red kite reintroduction has proved to be one of the greatest conservation success stories of the 20th century.

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Why not be a Friend of the Aquadrome help maintain the Aquadrome and its wildlife and assist in wildlife surveys. You will receive regular updates on conservation work along with the details of events. Or join the Friends of the Withey Beds , a Local Nature Reserve, one of the few remaining wetlands in Hertfordshire. It supports a wide range of habitats including wet woodland, marsh, drier grassland and open ditches as well as the River Colne. It has won Green Apple Awards for the environmental work there.

To find out more ring 01923 776611 or email leisure@threerivers.gov.uk.

The Aquadrome closing time will be extended from 8.30 to 9.30pm from 1st May to 30^th September. The impact of this will then be reviewed.

The Friends of Croxley Moor meet on the second Sunday of each month at 10.00am to lend a helping hand. Everyone is welcome - no experience necessary. www.croxleycommonmoor.org.uk