23/02/2005 - A river restoration
project to re-instate the River Bulbourne’s
natural habitat and distinctive chalk stream
characteristics in Berkhamsted started last
week.
Chalk streams are fed by a chalk aquifer and
are characterised by their clear flowing water,
gravel beds and distinctive flora and fauna.
But in the last few years the river between
Park Street and Lower Kings Road has been
widened, forming a ponded area and the trees
have become overgrown, cutting out the river’s
light and restricting the ability of the river
to function as a chalk stream.
Following wide consultation with local residents
in September plans to restore the river’s
natural habitat were drawn up and the work
has now started. It is due to be completed
by the end of February.
At St John’s Well Court where the river has
become ponded, a natural channel is going
to be re-created and the silt and sediment
which currently covers most of the gravel
bed will be removed. In the remaining lake-like
area behind the new channel a backwater area
will be created, fringed by wetland plant
species. Visitors and walkers will notice
little immediate difference but over the years,
the banks will build up with material deposited
by the Bulbourne and reeds, irises and other
plants will grow and a range of birds will
find a home in the area.
Willow trees along by Waitrose car park have
been copiced to allow more light to reach
the river and scrub on the land owned by British
Waterways will be opened up to improve access.
Interpretation boards will also be put up
along the river to give people information
on chalk streams and the species found in
the area.
The joint restoration project is being supported
by the Environment Agency, Berkhamsted Town
Council, Chilterns Chalk Streams Project,
Chilterns Woodland Project, Dacorum Borough
Council, British Waterways, Three Valleys
Water, Berkhamsted Citizens Association and
the Rotary Club of Berkhamsted.
Sarah Scott, conservation officer, said:
“Chalk streams form an important natural environment
in Hertfordshire and it is important that
they are restored, enhanced and maintained.
They form a unique environment for many different
species such as water vole, bullhead and grey
wagtail.”
Claire Covington, Dacorum Borough Council’s
Parks and Open Spaces Manager commented: “Chalk
streams, like this section of the river Bulbourne,
are found in few places in the world, so it’s
an important and exciting project for the
Council to be involved in. Hopefully the work
will conserve and enhance the chalk stream
and encourage local people to enjoy and understand
it more.”
