Verulamium Park FAQs

The Council advises against bathing or swimming in any rivers or lakes. Anyone can become unwell from swimming in open water as there will always be micro-organisms present that can enter the body through cuts.

If you do come into contact with river or lake water you should wash with soap and water as soon as possible paying particular attention to thoroughly cleaning cuts or abrasions.

If you become unwell with diarrhoea or any other symptoms, seek medical help and let them know you have been in contact with river or lake water.

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The decision to close this footpath (Public Right of Way 30) was taken on health and safety grounds due to the slippery surface that had developed under the running water and the situation regarding this remains unchanged.  Once the flooding has subsided the structural condition of the path will need to be assessed and we will likely need Scheduled Monument Consent from Historic England to carry out repairs.  Once any necessary repairs are approved and completed the path will be reopened.

Rainfall this year has been exceptionally high, and the River Ver at Colney Street recorded the highest river flows on record (records start 1956). As a result, river flow is still exceptionally high for the time of year. Groundwater levels are making a slow decline for the time of year but still remain exceptionally high.  The high groundwater levels mean the land can’t soak up further rainfall which means that each time it now rains it very quickly increases water levels in the river and floodplain. The Environment Agency (EA) has stated that they do not expect ground water levels and flooding to subside until August / September, though river flow is now starting to show signs of decline.   For these reasons we are not able to set a date for the path to reopen.

We have also investigated placing sandbag along the riverbank to prevent the flooding.  but all the low-lying areas of the park along the valley bottom are flood plain and have a “Flood zone 3” classification set by the EA, and we are not permitted to do anything that would prevent the flood plain from flooding.

The flooding is inconvenient, but the flood plain is an important part in flood risk management.  They are like a huge sponge and help reduce the risk of flooding elsewhere downstream such as people’s homes and businesses.

Rainfall this year has been exceptionally high, and the River Ver at Colney Street recorded the highest river flows on record (records start 1956). As a result, river flow is still exceptionally high for the time of year. Groundwater levels are making a slow decline for the time of year but still remain exceptionally high.  The high groundwater levels mean the land can’t soak up further rainfall which means that each time it now rains it very quickly increases water levels in the river and floodplain. 

Environment Agency Water Situation reports

This means there is much more water in the river than normal and has resulted in the river topping its bank at Belle Meadow with the water flowing uncontrolled into the lake. 

Water exits the large lake via a fixed sluice at the Causeway (near the now closed public toilets)

The flooding is happening because more water is flowing into the Lake than can flow out at the other end resulting in it backing up a bit like a blocked drain. 

No. In places where waterfowl are fed by members of the public, they can be found to suffer from poor nutrition.

There may also be some birds who suffer from Angel Wing. This is a condition often caused by a high intake of protein and carbohydrates and a lack of essential nutrients such as Calcium and Vitamin E.

We are therefore discouraging members of the public from feeding the waterfowl, as it can have a detrimental effect on both their health and the condition of the lakes.

• Please do not feed the birds fact sheet ( pdf - 406.85 KB )

The Council encourage members of the public to hold events within the parks and green space that it manages.If you are planning or organising an event you should contact the Council to discuss your plans as consent / and or a license may be required.

Advice and Guidance for Events

The Council encourages group activities within the parks and green space that it manages.

There is an application process and, if accepted, you will be issued with a permit.

For more information please contact estates@stalbans.gov.uk

Yes.

Members of the public may sail model boats on the smaller of the two lakes which is known as the Boating Lake.  The use of model boats on the larger of the two lakes is not permitted at any time.
 

No, camping is not permitted in any of the parks and green spaces that are managed by St Albans City and District Council.
 

There are a number of facilities within Verulamium Park and these operate their own lost and found systems.

• John O'Conner (grounds maintenance) Ltd - 01727 866638
• Verulamium Museum - 01727 751810
• Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre - 01727 736080
• Abbey View Golf and Track -01727 868227
• Inn on the Park - 01727 838246

If you have lost something while visiting one of our other parks and green spaces, please contact the Parks and Green Spaces team on 01727 819366.

The distance around both the small and large lakes in Verulamium Park is approximately 1189 meters.

The large lake is 1056 meters and the small lake is 236 meters approximately.

The Council's advice to members of the public is not to go on to the frozen surface of the lakes or for that matter any body of water, The ice is very unstable and could disintegrate at any time without warning.

We do not permit this. There have been cases elsewhere in the country where gazebo’s have been caught in the wind because they have not been correctly secured to the ground and caused injury.

No