Chilterns Chalk Streams Project Annual Report 2014-15
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Cherishing the Chess
The Chilterns Chalk Streams Project aims to conserve all major chalk streams in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and to encourage enjoyment and Cherishing understanding of them. The Project achieves these aims by: the Raising awareness of the importance of chalk streams and the need to conserve them Giving advice to landowners and managers on riverside management Chess Practical conservation to physically improve chalk stream habitats, assess habitat quality and locate and protect rare species Providing education resources for schools to help children understand the chalk stream environment Improving physical access to the streams where appropriate, and providing information about their special qualities For more details see the project website: www.chilternsaonb.org/chalk-streams-project Useful contacts: The River Chess Association is a voluntary organisation that seeks to protect and enhance the River Chess by a combination of practical conservation work and lobbying. To find out how you can help visit: www.riverchessassociation.org or email [email protected] Environment Agency Apollo Court, 2 Bishops Square Business Park St. Albans Road West Hatfield, Herts AL10 9EX Tel: 03708 506506 www.environment-agency.gov.uk 0800 807060 (Incident hotline) Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust Water Vole Recovery Project The Lodge, 1 Armstrong Road, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 4XT Tel: 01865 775476 www.bbowt.org.uk Three Rivers District Council Three Rivers House, Northway Rickmansworth, Herts Wd3 1RL Tel: 01923 776611 www.threerivers.gov.uk Chiltern District Council King George V Road Amersham Bucks HP6 5AW Tel: 01494 729000 www.chiltern.gov.uk Led by the Chilterns Conservation Board, the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project is a partnership of statutory How YOU can help agencies, local authorities and voluntary bodies committed to conserving the chalk stream environment. -
Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report Update July 2017
Three Rivers District Council Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report Update July 2017 Report details Three Rivers District Council Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report Update Report prepared for: Three Rivers District Council Reference: Project Report: CPR2415a Copyright: © TRL Limited Report date: July 2017 Report status/version: Scoping Report Update Quality approval: Katie Millard Project Manager Rob Gardner Technical Reviewer Disclaimer This report has been produced by TRL Limited (TRL) under a contract with Three Rivers District Council. Any views expressed in this report are not necessarily those of Three Rivers District Council. The information contained herein is the property of TRL Limited and does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the customer for whom this report was prepared. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the matter presented in this report is relevant, accurate and up-to-date, TRL Limited cannot accept any liability for any error or omission, or reliance on part or all of the content in another context. Contents amendment record This report has been amended and issued as follows: Version Date Description Editor Technical Reviewer Draft v0.1 09-05-2017 Draft for review KM RG Draft v0.2 10-05-2017 Technical review KM RG Final v0.3 11-05-2017 Final version, draft previously seen by client KM RG Post- 28-07-17 Scoping Report Update to take account of KM RG consultation comments made during the consultation from 12th update May to 16th June 2017. Post Consultation Update -
BBOWT Water Vole Recovery Project
Berks, Bucks and Oxon Water Vole Recovery Project 2016 Report Water vole carrying food for young, Chris Hughes, River Windrush Julia Lofthouse, Mammal Project Officer Gavin Bennett, Mammal Project Assistant Contents 1 Introduction 2 Water Vole Surveys Survey Methodology Survey Participants Survey Results 3 Mink Control Background Information Mink Control Results 2015- 2016 Analysis of Mink Control Schemes 4 Alert Maps and Local Key Areas 2017 5 Water Vole Recovery Project Updates 2016 Bayswater Brook Ewelme Stream and River Thames Great Ouse and Padbury Brook Holy Brook and Sulham Brook Hurst Ditches Kennet & Avon Canal Lower River Kennet, Foudry Brook and River Thames at Sonning Lower River Windrush Mill Brook Oxford Canal River Alderbourne River Glyme and River Dorn River Ock, Sandford Brook and River Stert Upper Thames 1 Introduction The water vole Arvicola amphibius is Britain’s fastest declining mammal which has been lost from approximately 89% of its former range since 1900. In the 1950s-60s changes in river engineering practices and agricultural intensification caused the water vole population to decline. These changes resulted in habitat loss and degradation which caused fragmentation and isolation of water vole populations. Since the 1980s an introduced predator, the American mink Neovison vison has decimated water vole populations as its range has expanded throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Mink are able to counter the water voles’ anti-predatory behaviours since they swim well, hunt efficiently and female mink are small enough to enter water voles’ burrows. The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust launched its Water Vole Recovery Project in 1998. The aim of the project was to arrest the decline of water voles within the three counties and to work to stabilise and increase the water vole population. -
Observations on the Bourne Gutter 2014 Approx.)
valley bottom from Bourne End to White Hill as valley gravels. Most likely these fluvial deposits are Late Devensian in age (26-12 ka Observations on the Bourne Gutter 2014 approx.). A synthesis of ideas and contemporary understanding of the hydrology in the area is detailed by Catt (2010, Chapter 9). In 2012 the summer was wet Nicholas Pierpoint and limited flow was observed in the Bourne Gutter from March The exceptionally high rainfall experienced in the flow in 2014, attempts to correlate local rainfall to April 2013. In the winter of southern England in the winter of 2014 has been data with corresponding flow periods, and for interest 2013/14 heavy rainfall resulted in well documented and described widely in the press. replicates some of the flow measurements documented full stream flow from the Banks For some in the Thames Valley this was traumatic. by Glennie (1960, 1962). Stream discharge data were Rise (SP 989051, Photo 1) all the However in west Hertfordshire it was interesting acquired using a Valeport Electromagnetic Flow Meter way to the confluence with the to see flow again in the Bourne Gutter, which flows at four stations. They were chosen to establish the flow River Bulbourne at Bourne End Photo 1. Banks Rise – pool/source of the Gutter. as a consequence of exceptional seasonal rainfall. contribution from Mounts Rise and identify if there (Photo 6). Chalk Rock is shown on Observational notes describing the extent of the flow was any contribution from the swallow-hole at Bottom the valley floor at Banks Rise on from 4 March to 23 April in 2013 were documented by Farm. -
South West Hertfordshire Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment
South West Hertfordshire Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Final Report March 2019 www.jbaconsulting.com SWH Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Stage 1 i Fiona Hartland 8A Castle Street Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 8DL Revision history Revision Amendments Issued to Ref/Date 2018s0161 SW Draft Report Three Rivers Hertfordshire District Council L1 SFRA v1.0 / Dacorum Borough 27/03/2018 Council St. Albans City and District Council Watford Borough Council Hertfordshire County Council Thames Water Canal and River Trust 2018s0161 SW Draft Report –DBC, SADC, Environment Hertfordshire TDC, WBC, CRT comments Agency L1 SFRA v2.0 / incorporated 20/03/2018 2018s0161 SW Final Draft Report – HCC Three Rivers Hertfordshire comments incorporated. District Council L1 SFRA v3.0 / Dacorum Borough 02/05/2018 Council St. Albans City and District Council Watford Borough Council Hertfordshire County Council Canal and River Trust 2018s0161 SW Final Report – Cumulative Three Rivers Hertfordshire Impacts Assessment District Council L1 SFRA v4.0 / (incorporating comments SWH Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Stage 1 i Revision Amendments Issued to Ref/Date from HCC and EA) and Dacorum Borough London Colney model Council outputs included St. Albans City and District Council Watford Borough Council Contract This report describes work commissioned by Claire May, on behalf of Three Rivers District Council, by an email dated 31 January 2018. Nathan Chapman, Emily Jones and Fiona Hartland of JBA Consulting carried out this work. Prepared by ............................. -
River Restoration and Chalk Streams
River Restoration and Chalk Streams Monday 22nd – Tuesday 23rd January 2001 University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB Organised by the River Restoration Centre in partnership with University of Hertfordshire Environment Agency, Thames Region Report compiled by: Vyv Wood-Gee Countryside Management Consultant Scabgill, Braehead, Lanark ML11 8HA Tel: 01555 870530 Fax: 01555 870050 E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: 07711 307980 ____________________________________________________________________________ River Restoration and Chalk Streams Page 1 Seminar Proceedings CONTENTS Page no. Introduction 3 Discussion Session 1: Flow Restoration 4 Discussion Session 2: Habitat Restoration 7 Discussion Session 3: Scheme Selection 9 Discussion Session 4: Post Project Appraisal 15 Discussion Session 5: Project Practicalities 17 Discussion Session 6: BAPs, Research and Development 21 Discussion Session 7: Resource Management 23 Discussion Session 8: Chalk streams and wetlands 25 Discussion Session 9: Conclusions and information dissemination 27 Site visit notes 29 Appendix I: Delegate list 35 Appendix II: Feedback 36 Appendix III: RRC Project Information Pro-forma 38 Appendix IV: Project summaries and contact details – listed 41 alphabetically by project name. ____________________________________________________________________________ River Restoration and Chalk Streams Page 2 Seminar Proceedings INTRODUCTION Workshop Objectives · To facilitate and encourage interchange of information, views and experiences between people working with projects and programmes with strong links to chalk streams and activities or research that affect this environment. · To improve the knowledge base on the practicalities and associated benefits of chalk stream restoration work in order to make future investments more cost effective. Participants The workshop was specifically targeted at individuals and organisations whose activities, research or interests include a specific practical focus on chalk streams. -
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NRA Thames 160 ■auct Fi\e GUARDIANS OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT NRA National Rivers Authority Thames Region Fact Fz/e-RIVER CHESS & RIVER MISBOURNE FAGS IN BRIEF Chess • The River Chess flows from its source at Chesham to its confluence with the River G>lne at Rickmansworth. • The Chess catchment covers an area of 105 sq.km and there is an average rainfall of 768 mm per year within the catchment. • The river flows through upper and middle chalk outcrops, which in places are overlain with clay-with-flints and glacial gravel deposits. • Small areas of reed beds occur to the north of the river at Chorleywood. • The Chess is mainly a clear, fast flowing river which flows over gravel beds, although areas of silt exist upstream of impoundments, as well as downstream of Chesham Sewage Treatment Works and the M25. • The main settlements are Chesham, Chorleywood and Rickmansworth. • The Chess is 17.9 km in length, falls 60 m and is a typical chalk stream. • The river has one tributary, the Chalk Stream which is 1.7 km in length. • The Old River Chess was the original course of the Chess before the lakes at Latimer Park were constructed. It is the main course of the river in summer months. Misbourne • The river flows from its source at Great Missenden to its confluence with the River Colne near Uxbridge. • It passes through the towns o f Great Missenden, Amersham, Chalfont St. Giles and Chalfont St.Peter. • The river is 27 km in length and falls 90 m over that distance. -
Chess Valley
The Chess Valley Getting there & back The Chess Valley has some Directions: The walk starts from Rickmansworth Station The Chess of the most attractive and finishes at Chesham Station. countryside in the Chilterns Trains: Rickmansworth is served by both the Metropolitan Area of Outstanding Natural Line from Aldgate and Baker Street and the Chiltern Valley Walk Beauty. This is a landscape Line from Marylebone to Aylesbury. rich in wildlife, with a long From Chesham there is a direct Metropolitan Line and fascinating history. service to London that stops at Rickmansworth. For the Chiltern Line change at Chalfont and Latimer. Along the way there are Buses: Please go to www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk historic buildings and estates, By Road: Rickmansworth Station is 1.5 miles from Junction water meadows, ancient field 18 of the M25 systems and nature reserves. Cygnet Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps 172 + 181 and The Chess is a 'chalk stream'. They are fed by groundwater, Chiltern Society Maps 6 + 17 +28 which is stored in the aquifer – layers of chalk rock which work like a sponge, soaking up water until it emerges at ground If you have enjoyed this walk, there are many others to try. level. Regular winter rainfall is needed to recharge the aquifer Visit www.chilternsaonb.org or call 01844 355500 for Chilterns and keep the chalk streams of the Chilterns flowing Country walks throughout the year. Typical chalk streams, like the Chess are or visit www.chesham.gov.uk/Walks/Chesham_Walks.aspx shallow, narrow streams, with gravel beds and clear, warm water. We take our water from the aquifer too, so we need to This walk and leaflet is supported by: use water wisely in order to reduce our impact on chalk Chilterns streams and their wildlife. -
PDF How Well Do You Know the Chilterns?
How well do you know the Chilterns? 1. On which high street would you find the Red Pump Garage, Sophie’s ‘norphanage’ and Matilda’s library? 2. Which village has hosted film crews for the Vicar of Dibley, Killing Eve and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? 3. What Chilterns heritage crop, growing in the river Chess, can you buy direct from the producer in the Chess Valley? 4. Which specifies of bird, now thriving, was secretly re-introduced to the Chilterns over 20 years ago? 5. At an impressive 267m (876ft), where you can climb the highest point in the Chilterns? 6. Where the villages of Goring and Streatley face one another across the Thames, which two National Walking Trails meet? 7. Hertfordshire is synonymous with a unique geological formation, that also has a gin distillery named after it. What is this stone called? 8. White Helleborine, a birdsnest, Autumn lady-tresses and common spotted, are all species of which plant that is unique to our chalk downland? 9. Name three local theatres? 10.Which market town is connected to the Metropolitan line on the Tube? 11.A bodger is someone who makes/repairs something badly? Or is someone who turned cut timber on a pole lathe to create chair legs? 12.Where will you find a 147 metre white lion? Answers: Q1: Great Missenden. Q2: Turville. Q3: Watercress Q4: Our iconic red kites Q5: Haddington Hill, Wendover Woods. Q6: Thames Path & Ridgeway National Trails Q7: Puddingstone. Q8: A: Species of orchid Q9: Kenton, Elgiva, Waterside, Wycombe Swan, Limelight Q10: Amersham Q11: A skilled wood-turner Q12: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Chilterns Tourism Network VisitChilterns.co.uk . -
Berks, Bucks and Oxon Water Vole Recovery Project 2015 Report
Berks, Bucks and Oxon Water Vole Recovery Project 2015 Report Water vole at BBOWT Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve, Jeremy Dexter, May 2015 Julia Lofthouse, Mammal Project Officer Gavin Bennett, Mammal Project Assistant Contents 1 Introduction 2 Water Vole Surveys Survey Methodology Survey Participants Survey Results 3 Mink Control Background Information Mink Control Results 2014- 2015 4 Alert Maps and Local Key Areas 2016 5 Water Vole Recovery Project Updates 2015 Ewelme Stream Ginge Brook Holy Brook Hurst Ditches Oxford Canal River Chess River Kennet and Kennet & Avon Canal River Lambourn River Misbourne River Pang River Thames & Tributaries (Oxford to Abingdon) Middle Windrush Wendover Canal 6 Appendices 1 Introduction The water vole Arvicola amphibius is Britain’s fastest declining mammal which has been lost from approximately 89% of its former range since 1900. In the 1950s-60s changes in river engineering practices and agricultural intensification caused the water vole population to decline. These changes resulted in habitat loss and degradation which caused fragmentation and isolation of water vole populations. Since the 1980s an introduced predator, the American mink Neovison vison has decimated water vole populations as its range has expanded throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Mink are able to counter the water voles’ anti-predatory behaviours since they swim well, hunt efficiently and female mink are small enough to enter water voles’ burrows. The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust launched its Water Vole Recovery Project in 1998. The aim of the project was to arrest the decline of water voles within the three counties and to work to stabilise and increase the water vole population. -
Strategic Regional Water Resource Solutions: Preliminary Feasibility Assessment
Strategic regional water resource solutions: Preliminary feasibility assessment Gate-1 submission for Grand Union Canal Transfer SRO Date: 05 July 2021 Template version: draft 10, 9 February 2021 ST Classification: OFFICIAL PERSONAL Attention: Mr Paul Hickey Managing Director Regulators’ Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development Ofwat City Centre Tower 7 Hill Street Birmingham B5 4UA 01 July 2021 Grand Union Canal (GUC) SRO Gate 1 Submission Dear Paul Affinity Water, Severn Trent Water and the Canal & River Trust are pleased to submit our gate-1 report for the GUC Transfer Strategic Resources Option (SRO). The report outlines how we have developed this SRO since its approval in the PR19 Final Determination, and the key steps we intend to take in gate-2. Through this SRO and our proposals for the Minworth SRO, we intend to transfer water from Minworth wastewater treatment works to the Grand Union Canal and into the Affinity Water supply area, supporting customers in the South East of England with up to 100Ml/d of water in times of need. We are proposing to upgrade the Grand Union Canal for the transfer, and to abstract, store and treat the water downstream before it enters Affinity Water’s supply area. Utilising existing canal infrastructure will allow us to provide value for money and to enhance the recreational value of the canal for local people. Our cross-industry team, including personnel from Affinity Water, Severn Trent Water and the Canal & River Trust, has been delighted to make this contribution to strengthening the UK’s water infrastructure and creating a legacy of resilient water resources for future generations. -
Dacorum Borough Council, St Albans District Council, Three Rivers District Council, Watford Borough Council Strategic Flood Risk Assessment
Location Plan:- Markyate Flood Storage Area Embankment % Markyate RRiivveerr TThhaammee Harpenden Tring Redbourn RRiivveerr VVeerr Berkhamstead Hemel Hempstead St Albans Colney Heath London Colney RRRiiivvveeerrr LLL LLLeeeeee (((UUUppp pppppp WWaaatttfffooorrrddd pppeeerrr))) WWaaatttfffooorrrddd RRRiicicckkkmmaaannnssswwooorrrttthhh DDaaccoorruumm BBoorroouugghh CCoouunncciill RRiivveerr GGaaddee Legend:- SStt.. AAllbbaannss DDiissttrriicctt CCoouunncciill Legend:- Council Boundary RRiivveerr VVeerr Watercourse Centre Line EElllleenn BBrrooookk RRiivveerr BBuullbboouurrnnee Grand Union Canal Main Defences eee lllnnn Catchment Boundary ooo CCC rrr eee MMiimmmmsshhaallll BBrrooookk Reservoirs Hemel Hempstead iiivvv MMiimmmmsshhaallll BBrrooookk RRR Flood Relief Culvert RRiivveerr GGaaddee WWaattffoorrdd BBoorroouugghh CCoouunncciill RRiivveerr CChheessss TThhrreeee RRiivveerrss DDiissttrriicctt CCoouunncciill RRiivveerr CCoollnnee Lower Colne Hartsbourne Flood Storage Area Improvement Scheme Works Embankment Chess Wall 0 3 6 kilometres This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Dacorum Borough Council. 100018935, (2007). Project:- DACORUM BOROUGH COUNCIL, ST ALBANS DISTRICT COUNCIL, THREE RIVERS DISTRICT COUNCIL, WATFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL STRATEGIC FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT Dacorum Borough Council Three Rivers District Council St Albans District Council Watford Borough Council Civic Centre Three Rivers House Council Offices, Civic Centre Town Hall Tile A1:- Marlowes Northway St Peters Street Watford LOCATION PLAN Hemel Hempstead Rickmansworth St Albans Herts, WD17 3EX Herts, HP1 1HH Herts, WD3 1RL Herts, AL1 3JE Drawn By :- A J Bryan Revision Drawing Scale :- 1:75,000 Drawing No. :- WN/CBAD/DRAWING - 033 www.halcrow.com A Rev. By Date Description Windsor House Britannia Road Checked By :- L R Markeson Sheet No.