The Ver Valley Society is raising funds to replace the much-loved oak bench overlooking the East Ford at Redbournbury. It is a favourite spot on the River Ver Trail, frequently used by walkers and cyclists to take a break by the water. And can provide a quiet place to contemplate the natural world.

It's one of 8 benches along the Ver, our local chalk stream, that were originally funded by a Heritage Lottery grant in 2010 and further supported by Herts County Council, Tarmac and the Ver Valley Society. The bench, with references to local history and wildlife etched into the backboard, has proved very popular and has become a feature of the local landscape.

We believe it is well worth replacing with a similar bench that we can all enjoy, well into the future. If you have passed by, smiled at, sat on, waved at or photographed the bench in the past decade or so, please make a contribution towards our goal, if you can.