GET INVOLVED

There are so many ways to get involved with helping to make the River Colne a nicer, healthier place for all.

Take a look below to discover what events and volunteering opportunities available.

If you would like information in another language or have other Web Content Accessibility needs, please email emily.evans@groundwork.org.uk

Tales of the River, Shaping Waters: The Basics of Chalk Streams and their Flora (3 September, 12:30pm - 1:30pm)

Brought to you by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players.

Join our FREE online session to explore the amazing link between the shape and flow of rivers and the wildlife they support. We’ll focus on rare chalk streams, known for their clear waters, gravel beds, and rich variety of life, from tiny insects to playful otters.

Discover how these special rivers work, why they matter, and how we can help protect them. Perfect for nature lovers of all ages, this session will inspire you to see our local waterways in a whole new way.

Book your free ticket

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Tales of the River: Final Wild Play Session (26 August 2025, 12:30pm - 2pm, Oxhey Park)

Brought to you by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players.

Join Groundwork East for this special free event, perfect for keeping the kids entertained during the summer holidays. Enjoy eco-friendly fun, outdoor games, storytelling, and a chance to discover the surprising history of Watford’s rivers and green spaces.

Book your free space

Rediscovering the River Colne: Riverfly Training (24 August, 10am - 3pm, Knutsford Playing Fields)

Get hands-on with protecting your local River Colne through riverfly monitoring! This volunteer training will teach you the ARMI method, how to identify key species, and what they reveal about water quality. After completing online learning in August, join our in-person session to practise sampling, analysing results, and learning safety tips. You’ll gain the skills to carry out monthly surveys with fellow volunteers – helping track river health and protect wildlife.

Book your free space

Tales of the River: Outfall Walks (29 August, 10am - 12pm, Knutsford Playing Fields)

Brought to you by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players.

Discover how to protect the River Colne! Learn to spot and record pollution events, then join a guided walk to see local outfalls up close. Your observations will provide vital data to improve water quality, restore habitats, and safeguard wildlife. Be part of the river’s recovery story!

Book your free space

Groundwork's Green Doctors

Groundwork’s Green Doctors provide free, one-to-one energy efficiency and money-saving advice for Hertfordshire households. Get practical guidance on reducing energy use, draught-proofing, and understanding bills. They also offer referrals to local services like debt advice and food banks.

Eligibility: over 65s, households with children under 5, benefit recipient, people with physical or mental health conditions

Become a River Colne volunteer

We are gearing up for the next exciting phase in our works and we are on the lookout for volunteers to dive right in! Whether you're in the river in waders, moving materials or handing out tea and cakes, there's a role for everyone to make a real difference.

Sign-up today

Tales of the River - Walk Leaders

Brought to you by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players.

Have a story to tell about Watford's natural, cultural or industrial heritage? Can you inspire others with your creativity and passion? We are looking for paid walk leaders to run river walks linked with the River Colne.

Tales of the River: Travelling Tales

Brought to you by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players. ‘Travelling Tales’ is an interactive heritage tour of the River Colne, available to community groups and schools in Watford. Our aim is to engage the residents of Watford with the history of the river and emphasise the role that the Colne has played in Watford.

Tales of the River - Ask me anything?

Brought to you by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players. Want to hear more about rivers and the Colne as part of a society meeting or school assembly? We are working with experts who can come and present to your students about what is happening to the River Colne and how we making it a safer and heathier river for all.

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Rediscovering the River Colne: Corporate Team Building and Health Walks

Multiple sites across Watford, 2025/26.

As part of the Rediscovering the River Colne, there are opportunities for businesses to get involved with practical conservation, invasive species clearances and litter picks. Enquire today to discuss pricing and availability of these opportunities.

Rediscovering the River Colne: Green Gym Conservation

Held at Watford Rugby Club on Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-1pm. Green gym is a volunteer-led group who run a range of conservation activities along the River Colne. Green Gym is free for anyone to join in, and make a difference in their local community. The activities suit all ranges of fitness.

Rediscovering the River Colne: Friends of Oxhey Park

Oxhey Park, Second Saturday of each month, 10.30am, March-November (except August). Friends of Oxhey park are a volunteer group who aim to make the park a safer and more welcoming space for families and anyone who wishes to enjoy their local area. Friends of Oxhey Park are a social group who welcome anyone that would like to take part.

Learn more

Rediscovering the River Colne: Oxhey Village Walking Group

Oxhey Village Green, Every Monday at 6:30pm, Get outside and meet with a group of like-minded people to explore the local area! This enthusiastic and social group, open to people of all abilities, meet each Monday to walk to 5k (or however far you can go)!

Learn more