IN-RIVER IMPROVEMENTS

The Rediscovering the River Colne programme aims to enhance and revive the river for both nature and people, allowing visitors of all ages to once again enjoy and value this key natural asset. We plan to do this by creating a healthy river corridor with cleaner water and restored habitats, so that native mammals, birds, fish, insects and plants can return to the river and its banks.

Before our work can begin properly, we have been extensively assessing, investigating and modelling a number of key sites on the north and south sides of the river (northern section from Knutsford Playing Fields to Waterfield Recreational Area; southern section from Oxhey Park to Lairage land). We’ve also been consulting with key groups and local people to better understand the improvements that need to be implemented to achieve our goals. Click here for an overview of the history and key river issues.

For the northern sites, we now have reports that detail the key issues faced in each section with recommendations on the key works that will be conducted – please click on the links below to find out more:

Sites

Many thanks to our delivery partner Groundwork and specialist river-engineering consultants Arup, and all other stakeholders who helped with this very detailed work, including:

Hertsmere Borough Council
Affinity Water
Environment Agency
Groundwork South & ColneCAN
Colne Valley Fisheries Consultative
Community Connections Program
Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
Veolia
Watford Green Gym

Upcoming Work Phases

Phase 1: In early 2023, the build stage Phase 1 will begin to bring improvements to the river corridor. During this build phase, sections of the river in these parks will be closed to public access for a limited amount of time, to enable work to commence and ensure the safety of the contractors installing these features. Further information and warning signs will be shared when construction dates are confirmed.

There will be volunteering opportunities for local people and public members to help install some of these key features as the programme progresses. These activities may include litter picking, vegetation clearance, berm installation, and native planting. More information on these opportunities will be shared nearer the time, so make sure you register your interest.

Phase 2: Works will commence after the establishment and review of the successful integration of the Phase 1 river improvements, which will be reviewed if and where further improvements are required.

This exciting Rediscovering the River Colne Programme will improve and re-naturalise the River Colne corridor, increasing the river resilience to pollution and climate change while simultaneously bringing biodiversity gains, increased flood alleviation and opportunities for community engagement. Stay tuned for further updates.

If you have any further questions, please visit our Contact Us page.