Working together to protect and enhance our water environment Co-creating a long-term plan for the River Chess catchment

Smarter Water Catchment Plan Working in partnership March 2021 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 02 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments we’ve made good progress in finding and made good progress in finding we’ve into our networks fixing sources of infiltration to get steps made some important and have at Hawridge and closer to stopping abstraction Chesham of increasing the treatment capacity around 30%. sewage treatment works by a huge difference, will make These initiatives and need all can but there is so much more we for this precious chalk stream to do to protect generations. current and future Chess the River plan for This joint catchment years. the next ten outlines our actions for all the to I want to say a huge thank you with us to create worked who have stakeholders the sure it’s the right one for it and to make Chess. I can’t River of the wonderful future restore this river as we wait to work with you beauty. to its natural catchment Sarah Bentley Sarah Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Thames Water Since joining Thames Water in September, I’ve been spending lots of been spending I’ve in September, Thames Water Since joining and stakeholders. with colleagues, customers to and talking time listening What’s really struck me is the passion and What’s really struck and protecting all share for we dedication how, by enhancing our environment, and a really make can working together, we including to the quality of our rivers, difference chalk streams. our precious and vulnerable set out our ambition to work more In 2018, we partners and communities closely with our local Called catchments. our river to look after initiative, catchments’ water our ‘smarter it looks at the environment as a ‘system’ partnership and sees us working together in bigger and with others in the region to make as could make than we improvements better face We individual groups and organisations. the quality challenges to improve significant there is so much however of our catchments, work together. more opportunity when we about how this pioneering so excited We’re management sets approach to catchment will and others, how we, a new direction for cycle. manage our precious water and unique Chess is a breath-taking The River visiting this beautiful chalk stream and I loved our partners last Autumn. Since then, with river Foreword

Introduction in partnership Working Managing our catchments catchment’ water a ‘smarter Creating planning Catchment plan long-term Our shared multiple benefits Achieving steps Next Acknowledgments

Cover photo: River Chess at Latimer photo: River Cover Contents 40 39 37 25 11 09 07 06 05

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 01 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 04 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments Latimer Park Latimer Dr Elaine King Officer, Chief Executive Board Conservation Chilterns a more intensive approach to catchment approach to catchment a more intensive management and ensuring the necessary the a difference, to make resources are available to base evidence will provide a valuable initiative both the River for future help secure a brighter in the future. catchments Chess and other river

For more information on this plan, or to work with us, more information For [email protected] please contact

Chalk streams are a very special and globally rare habitat. With 85% of of With 85% habitat. and globally rare special are a very Chalk streams rising in the and nine of them 260 chalk streams in England, the world’s them. cherish and protect a responsibility to all have Hills, we Chiltern At a time when we all need to take bold and all need to take At a time when we are very chalk streams, we action for decisive in Thames Water’s partner pleased to be a key In piloting initiative. catchments’ water ‘smarter The River Chess is one of these special rivers. Their Chess is one of these special rivers. The River flows and shallow fast waters, cool, crystal-clear support an abundance of wildlife. clean flinty gravels that are highly precious habitats are attractive, They But communities and visitors alike. local by valued pressure from our chalk streams are in crisis, under pollution,a myriad of human threats including non-native change, invasive climate development, It was due water. species and a high demand for flows - thatto these threats - and especially low (CCSP) was Chalk Streams Project the Chilterns led in 1997. A partnership project, established Board, the CCSP Conservation the Chilterns by companies, non- authorities, water includes local bodies. and voluntary organisations governmental Indeed, our chalk streams are a key reason why reason why Indeed, our chalk streams are a key an Area of designated Hills were the Chiltern Beauty (AONB) in 1965. Natural Outstanding

our partners our A message from message A

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 03 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 06 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments Within the Thames region, there are already over region, there are already over Within the Thames in the 27 established involved 400 stakeholders this framework. within partnerships operating in capacity these partnerships all vary However, sources of funding. uncertain depend on and often of all understanding on the collective drawing By across partners and bringing together expertise more robust, create can specialisms, we different local also keep We’ll the future. joint plans for and with our progress communities up to date our plans. them to join us in delivering encourage We must all must We our part in play and protecting enhancing this resource precious the future. for ‘catchment based approach’ provides us ‘catchment Managing the water cycle in England and Wales England and Wales in cycle Managing the water divided amongst several is a responsibility regulatory systems, with varying organisations, all But drivers. mechanisms and external funding more user groups and there are also thousands from, and businesses that depend on, benefit on a daily basis. with water interact to approach a somewhat disjointed This creates to maximise the planning, making it much harder overcome do individually. To of the work we value must work together. these hurdles, we of the Environment within the framework Working Agency’s It brings practice. with an opportunity to put this into local government, together partnerships made up of and companies, environmental authorities, water local and groups, academia community interest all working scale, catchment businesses at the river towards a shared vision. Working in Working partnership stakeholders Create stronger partnerships with environment Public Value Understand how we value our river contribution to Understand the while working in a more holistic way. The first step a more holistic way. The first step while working in plan a catchment is to co-create on this journey within either operate who stakeholders with key in interest a vested and/or have this environment it. and enhancing protecting in partnership This document, which has been written outlines our approach and sets with our stakeholders, a over deliver collectively out the actions which we’ll next month. time period, starting 10-year use a bespoke 2020 and 2025, we’ll Between commitment to measure our progress performance as be as transparent with our regulator Ofwat. To on our progress provide annual updates possible, we’ll we achieve. and share any benefits this? Why are Why we doing we benefits Quantify additional working Purpose of our new approach Purpose of our new Set a precedent for future ways of Inform PR24 investment and decision making

We’re putting this approach into practice to putting this approach into practice We’re benefits key achieve can how we understand We believe we can achieve more by taking a systems- taking more by achieve can we believe We addressing based view of the environment, collectively that solutions multiple challenges and co-delivering bigger the most of opportunities on an even make water This is the premise of our ‘smarter scale. initiative. catchments’ Catchment management can offer better value better offer management can Catchment hard- more traditional benefits than and greater restricted it’s usually However, engineered solutions. working to address ato an individual organisation agricultural as pesticide run-off from single issue, such rivers. land into local

Introduction

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 05 Introduction Managing our Headwaters 1 partnership Working in catchments 2 3

Water is more precious than ever as we face climate change, 9 population growth and changes in consumer behaviours. Abstracting water from rivers and aquifers 7 Add in more extreme weather events, ongoing urbanisation 8 catchments Managing our Storing water and a fundamental shift in our land-use patterns, and it in reservoirs becomes even harder to manage this resource. 4 5 Water By 2045, we estimate they’ll be an extra two million people treatment works Floodplains and 6 living in the Thames region. We’ll need to find new ways to 10 rural communities water catchment’ Creating a ‘smarter 13 Nature meet their growing expectations for clean green and blue reserve spaces to enjoy. 11 Distributing clean water The water quality of our rivers is fundamental, not just 14 to homes and businesses for our customers but for the habitats and biodiversity

of species that depend on them. Challenges Treating planning Catchment 12 wastewater and around our ageing infrastructure and Working together to protect sewage in some cases, outdated designs of our and enhance our water wastewater systems, combined with the public environment 15 misconception of what can safely go down drains, can lead to unwanted pollution incidents.

18 long-term plan Our shared 16 19 21 We must take action to share the value Maintaining our of water and work with upstream and 17 20 wastewater networks downstream users across our region Restaurant Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 22 to protect our river catchments for 24 the future. School Urban areas multiple benefits Achieving 23

Opportunities

We’re working closely with our partners to Headwaters Floodplains and rural communities Urban areas Next steps understand the challenges we’re facing and uncover 1. Working with farmers to reduce soil run-off 7. Restoring and naturalising rivers 16. Monitoring water quality for point sources new opportunities to address them. In many 2. Using Natural Flood Management processes 8. Rewilding our river corridors and enhancing of pollution cases, this will lead to activities that also meet the 3. Planting trees to reduce the risk of flooding biodiversity 17. Ensuring drainage is not misconnected individual priorities of the organisations involved. 4. Improving fish passage 9. Managing water resources for public 18. Creating innovative green spaces 5. Managing pesticide and herbicide run-off value and recreation 19. Increasing access to blue/green spaces Acknowledgments We’re identifying opportunities across our catchment 6. Monitoring water quality for diffuse sources 10. Protecting homes from flooding 20. Introducing Sustainable Drainage from headwaters, floodplains and rural communities of pollution 11. Creating natural carbon sinks Systems (SuDS) through to our urban areas. The opportunities 12. Making river corridors safe and clean 21. Connecting new developments could include: 13. Protecting Sites of Special Scientific Interest 22. Correctly disposing fats, oil and grease 14. Improving accessibility 23. Raising awareness through education 15. Returning water to rivers and solids to land 24. Managing highway runoff

07 08 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 10 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments Bishop’s Stortford Hertford Crawley London River Crane River Crane Guildford Slough River Chess River Chess To understand how we can best protect and protect best can we how understand To our new applied we’ve enhance these areas, through each of them. Working methodology to based approach’ framework, the ‘catchment engaged with hundreds of stakeholders we’ve them to take to encourage across each catchment part in this initiative. £3 investing we’re years, next four the Over to trial this initiative. million in each catchment to set up new need we This is the seed funding financial frameworks, governance and improved meet roadmaps to ensure we models and delivery our objectives. Aylesbury Reading Basingstoke Oxford Banbury Newbury River River Evenlode Evenlode Swindon Cirencester Thames Water area Water Thames boundaries Partnership Catchment (2020 - 2025) AMP7 catchments Trial Putting it into practice Putting it into all They catchments. identified three trial We’ve of challenges that are representative varying have across our region: those found Oxfordshire Evenlode, • River Chess, Buckinghamshire • River London West Crane, • River is of which Thames Water partnership, Each themes that key one part, has identified a set of underpin the unique challenges within each influenced have themes These key catchment. work together to which we’ll our joint objectives, the next 10 years. over achieve plan a bespoke created we’ve Collectively, we need to that identifies all the milestones included also this happen. We’ve hit to make actions that we’ll subsequent year-on-year to meet these milestones. undertake without negatively impacting the environment Working together to Working together protect and enhance our water environment Delivering solutions that achieve multiple benefits We’ll create a sustainable management model that understands the scale of benefits we can achieve, setting a precedent for future ways of working. Applying a ‘systems thinking’ approach to address multiple challenges holistically Catchment-wide solutions Embedding our approach in water industry planning Catchment-wide solutions considering the most effective solutions Annual partnership actions Prioritising our partnership objectives Partnership-led Each catchment will have a unique ambition and set of objectives that are locally appropriate – and we’ll deliver these by working together. Identifying key activities for delivery by all participants Working in a unified way with a diverse set of committed stakeholders To build better functioning river catchments

We’ll plan appropriate interventions over a longer timescale to realise environmental benefits and safeguard our most precious resource. Protecting and enhancing the environment

Long-term plan Creating a 10-year delivery plan together for each selected catchment Outputs

Evidence-based Identifying the most appropriate course of action through data collection, monitoring and analysis Strategy

Vision Outcomes

Over the last few years, we’ve been looking for the best way been looking for we’ve years, the last few Over management. catchment change in holistic a step to deliver this. us achieve a new methodology to help now created We’ve

water catchment’ water Creating a ‘smarter Creating

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 09 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 12 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments Latimer Meadows Latimer support their plan (STW) Management Plan System Infiltration programmes improvement This will include: with the Wilder Chess initiative • Working Group with the Chesham Water • Working with Impress the Chess group to • Working Chesham sewage treatment works • Upgrading Groundwater • Implementing the actions of the company morphological • Aligning with water the direction of travel, While our plan will dictate to amendments and changes it will be subject years, ten After becomes available. as more data structure in place a sustainable hope to have we the use to manage and maintain can that we habitat. made to this globally rare improvements As partners across the Chess catchment, we’ve we’ve the Chess catchment, As partners across and a clear strategy create come together to themes. For six key under objectives identify to the priorities set these correlate consistency, Action Network Catchment the Colne out by (ColneCAN). on embarking With our new action plan, we’re the the quality and improve to raise a journey as delivering Chess. As well of the River habitat with others and coordinate schemes, we’ll bespoke our activities with others impacting the integrate and wider Chess catchment. river Building an action plan Building an Working together 6 Involving people 5 Improving wildlife corridors 4 However, chalk streams in England are under chalk streams in England are However, their health affecting factors pressure. Common water; drinking for include over-abstraction activities, which urbanisation and agricultural river quality problems; and lead to water can areas flows and create can alter which modifications, pressures These combined where silt accumulates. health poor ecological from suffering lead to a river living in and a reduction in the unique biodiversity the catchment. 3 Themes River Chess strategy Chess River 2 1 flow non-native species Control of invasive Managing Improving water quality

The River Chess is a precious chalk stream that Chess is a precious The River the Colne within up one of the nine rivers makes End, near It rises at Pednormead catchment. for 11 miles through the Chesham, and flows Beauty, to Natural Area of Outstanding Chilterns in Rickmansworth. As one of Colne meet the River the world, the River only about 260 chalk streams in its lush margins, clean gravel Chess is renowned for Plants like waters. oxygenated bed and crystal-clear, grow abundantly crowfoot water the white-flowered flow, and fish such as brown trout lay their in its fast eggs in the riverbed. Following the flow of the River Chess of the River the flow Following

catchment planning catchment River Chess River

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 11 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 14 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments Duck Alley Diffuse rural andDiffuse rural urban pollution the River entering Duck at Chess Chesham. Alley, As well as Environment Agency data, we can see this see this can we data, as Environment Agency As well reports, our 10- of a range in problem highlighted through and most recently data, set of Riverfly year by being collected quality information the water find can – you project ChessWatch the collaborative here. information more detailed to upgrades Some activities, such as infrastructure network and STW, are already underway. the sewer want to this if we need to go beyond we However, This quality across the catchment. water improve building datasets, means pinpointing any gaps in our assessing the a clearer picture of the problem and the future. best solutions for

Chalk streams naturally have an excellent water an excellent water have Chalk streams naturally held water spring by are fed they quality. Because calcium dissolved contain they in the chalk aquifer, nutrients that and other beneficial carbonate in the Chess ecology found support the diverse the river, enter But if other chemicals catchment. the quality issues and reduce water cause it can fauna. and flora number of natural to meet Good Chess currently fails The River Water by the (GES), as defined Status Ecological of nutrient (WFD), because Directive Framework fish and enrichment, the poor health of its partly populations and low flows. This is macrophyte pollution due to a combination of point-source Chesham STW when (unplanned discharges from the system) enter of groundwater large volumes run-off) pollution (urban and rural and diffuse throughout the catchment.

quality quality Improving water water Improving Reducing pollution Reducing

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 13 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 16 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments Meades Water Gardens Meades Water Over the last 10 the last Over Meades Water years, in CheshamGardens over has been dry for 50% of the time leading significant declines to of in diversity invertebrates. Work is already underway to address some of these underway to address some is already Work are being identified throughchallenges, and solutions (WRSE). South East Resources groups such as Water that two pumping stations closed Water Affinity in the upper Chess in the summer of water abstract pumpingWater 2020, and final closure of the Thames continuing to April 2025. We’re is planned for station of the sewer and investigations out CCTV surveys carry 10km to re-line over network, with more plans in place even plan will go catchment Our infiltration. to prevent flows and look at ways of managing excessive further flood plains and urban drainage, using sustainable meadows. water

We’re also seeing periods of short, sharp and more We’re particularly in summer, which deliver rainfall, intensive Our plan will run-off into the river. surges of polluted look at ways of slowing these surges and cleaning the it hits the river. run-off before We’ve recently discovered that the volumes of that the volumes recently discovered We’ve network into the sewer infiltration groundwater surveys Recent could be contributing to the problem. across 25% ofshow that this could be happening is ongoing tothe network in Chesham, and work impact this has on the river. the full understand But recent weather patterns are showing longer patterns But recent weather in winters dry some three to four periods of low rainfall, drying frequent and more succession, leading to longer then in the upper Chess. These dry periods are events causing winters, wet or two excessively one by followed flooding.groundwater Flow in the Chess is already highly variable. This is highly variable. in the Chess is already Flow common to most variations of seasonal because tail off as summer spring flows chalk streams – high low point in autumn and gradually progresses into a recharges in winter. as the chalk aquifer improve

Restoring river levels levels river Restoring Managing flow Managing

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 15 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 18 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments Our focus is currently on controlling non-native North North currently on controlling non-native is Our focus landowners, the help of local mink with American water the populations of native devastate as it can also considering the growing problem We’re voles. is This along the riverbanks. with Japanese knotweed eroding vegetation, out-competing native known for banks and increasing the risk of flooding. already, out the work that’s been carried Despite riparian landowners including the advice provided to controlling through the Impress the Chess project, must species remains a challenge we invasive we’ll on top of. Moving forwards, stay consistently these species use to track the mapping we improve introduction new protocols to stop their and create and spread within the catchment. Invasive non-native Invasive species such as Japanese knotweed a significant having are impact on the health of and the Chess the River it supports. that wildlife

Although we face existing problems with invasive existing problems with invasive face Although we had some success we’ve species in the Chess Valley, example, with the help of the controlling them. For eradicated Group, we’ve Chesham Environmental need to But we balsam completely. Himalayan other species that remain vigilant. There are several American list, such as the are still high on the watch signal crayfish. Like many other rivers in the Colne catchment, catchment, in the Colne many other rivers Like threat from a growing Chess is facing the River such as species. Species non-native invasive Signal knotweed, balsam, Japanese Himalayan mink are either and North American crayfish visitors to or are frequent established, already well whilst species such as the Quagga the catchment; threats. mussel and Demon shrimp are emerging Protecting our native wildlife our native Protecting non-native species non-native Control of invasive invasive of Control

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 17 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 20 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments We’ll work with the Wilder Chess initiative, farmers farmers work with the Wilder Chess initiative, We’ll build robust and sustainable and landowners to our programme also continue We’ll corridors. wildlife increase to help and mill bypasses removal of weir breedingpopulations of brown trout and introduce fish back to the centre of Chesham. The Chess supports Chess The of the water the recovery two one of the last vole; populations extant remaining whichin Buckinghamshire 90% declined by have the 1960’s. since

However, the Chess has seen a marked reduction in the Chess has seen a marked However, years, including the the last 20 fish populations over years species. Five indicator loss of one of it its key Hall Blackwell a common sight from were ago, grayling been recorded have down to Rickmansworth, but none years. Alongside improving water in the last five channels or creating bypass quality, removing weirs help their fish passage and around them will improve which will future, populations to be more resilient in this trend. help to reverse For wildlife to flourish, the river and its riparian habitats and its riparian habitats the river to flourish, wildlife For together to provide and connected need to be healthy and enable and breeding grounds feeding refuge, news is many The good safely. species to migrate seen are already producing results. We’ve initiatives their range extend voles water our colony of extant their stronghold around Chenies downstream to from Chesham. InRickmansworth and the edge of urban – the on the Chess was also spotted 2019/20, an otter first in living memory. Protecting local biodiversity and habitats biodiversity local Protecting

corridors corridors Improving wildlife wildlife Improving

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 19 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 22 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments Latimer Park Latimer

We want to promote the value of water and the and of water the value want to promote We with our these communities have connection that how establish we need to But first, precious river. the about much the public already understands out carry We’ll pressure our chalk streams are under. our and use the results to shape awareness surveys programmes create We’ll actions going forwards. schools, colleges and to encourage of education also We’ll groups to get involved. special interest across the work to expand our network of volunteers a broader cross section of the involving catchment conservation. community in practical local Using the Chess as acatchment ‘living’ laboratory study. scientific for

Involving people Involving Due to its unique landscape, the Chess catchment the Chess catchment landscape, Due to its unique community both the local is popular amongst to visit it. Lined with beautiful and those travelling the 10-mile wildlife, scenery and home to diverse Rickmansworth runs between Walk Chess Valley to access via the London and Chesham and is easy pandemic, tube network. During the coronavirus more popular even became visiting the catchment both their to enhance with individuals who wanted of our work will Part wellbeing. and mental physical all user access by opportunities for be to improve landscape. and the wider valley groups to the river Making our rivers accessible to all to accessible rivers Making our

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 21 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 24 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments Sarratt Bottom Sarratt We’ll take an evidence-based approach to build on an evidence-based take We’ll tool and research as a data project the ChessWatch their for public and stakeholders while asking the ongoing feedback.

Conservation andgroups working landowners improve to together along thehabitat Sarratt at Chess River Bottom.

As part of our long-term shared plan, we’ll work with work we’ll shared plan, As part of our long-term to groups and new stakeholders both established the most of existing know-how and initiatives make new ideas and ways of working. as foster as well new sub-groups to create we’ll Where appropriate, with the on specific issues, such as interacting focus community and improving public access. farming We need to work in a holistic way to benefit the need to work in a holistic way We a collective its users. Having environment and not a shared ambition will from plan stemming individual organisations from only encourage in river involved across the sector to become more to draw management but also provide opportunities across public and in additional sources of funding sectors. private Working together Working Using our insights to create change create to Using our insights

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 23 Introduction

Our shared The collective vision for the Chess catchment Our collective vision is that the Chess catchment We also want the wider catchment to be a working

is a jewel in the heart of the Chilterns landscape. landscape that is managed for the benefit of both partnership Working in long-term plan We want to create a place where people are people and wildlife. We want to minimise the impact working together to protect and improve the water of pollution, flooding and non-native invasive environment for everyone. From the headwaters in species and conserve a connected mosaic of wildlife- Chesham to its confluence with the River Colne in rich habitats. We want to create a natural and

Rickmansworth, we want the River Chess to possess attractive amenity for people to enjoy and improve catchments Managing our the clean, plentiful, flow characteristics of a healthy social wellbeing for present and future generations. chalk stream. We want to ensure that the river is We’ve identified year-on-year actions under each sensitively managed, meeting the needs of all those of our key themes so that we can work towards this that rely on its resource whilst enabling it to reach its vision together. Improving water quality full biological potential, supporting rich and diverse action plan populations of fish, birds and other wildlife. water catchment’ Creating a ‘smarter

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 21-22 22-23 23-24 24-25 25-26 26-27 27-28 28-29 29-30 30-31 planning Catchment

Baseline created Stakeholders Phase 1 of nature Implemented Mid-term water Focus on urban Work with Design nature Implemented Final report on State of the engaged in based solutions nature based quality projects drainage farmers to tackle based solutions nature based water quality Chess report actioning water prioritised solutions reviewed and increased agricultural solutions projects quality impacts report produced runoff Continue Collate all through improved Review and Continue Undertake pilot expansion of phase Continue Produce report on monitoring, data and land management prioritise phase 1 of expansion Undertake a review trials and prioritise Continue 2 interventions expansion of phase effectiveness of evidence datasets high level of phase 1 of the monitoring, phase 2 of high expansion of phase 2 interventions water quality and undertake gap Undertake catchment interventions data and evidence level catchment 2 interventions Deliver projects projects analysis. Align with additional interventions datasets produced interventions which meet the Continue R&D Chess Watch monitoring in-line Continue R&D to and collected in Deliver projects optioneering and into critical Undertake a review long-term plan Our shared with the report on Deliver projects investigate Years 1 - 4 Develop rreal-time which meet the feasibility criteria contaminants of the monitoring, Develop real-time the State of which meet the emerging organic monitoring project optioneering and data and evidence monitoring project the Chess optioneering and contaminants Conduct and develop citizen feasibility criteria Continue R&D Assess combined datasets produced and develop citizen feasibility criteria optioneering and science monitoring into critical effect of diffuse and collected in science monitoring Conduct Track and update feasibility studies projects. (Align with Continue R&D contaminants pollution Years 5 - 9 projects. Align with optioneering and Continue R&D to interactive water for improved land working with people into critical improvement

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment working with feasibility studies investigate quality mapping management theme) contaminants Assess combined schemes Review interactive people theme for improved land emerging organic including run-off effect of water quality management contaminants Chesham STW Undertake Apply emphasis point-source Continue mapping Establish R&D to including run-off permit limit for Hold mid-term additional on tracking pollution monitoring investigate emerging Track and update Phosphorus stakeholder review monitoring in line agricultural run-off improvement downstream of Continue multiple benefits Achieving organic contaminants Review evidence interactive water reduced to workshop with the report on schemes Chesham STW monitoring from pilot trials quality mapping 0.25mg/l to the State of the Continue overflow downstream of Align with interactive improve final Review and update Chess monitoring Continue Chesham STW water quality Align priorities Chesham STW effluent quality interactive water downstream of monitoring overflow mapping including with ELMS planned capacity quality mapping Apply emphasis on Chesham STW downstream of Chess Watch upgrade completed tackling urban overflow Chesham STW Align priorities with to reduce Assess Chesham run-off overflow Pilot field scale trials AMP8 planning storm spills STW to identify Align with for evidence-based significant Continue AMP9 planning scalability reduction of monitoring

untreated downstream of Next steps Create an action and discharge to river Chesham STW resourcing plan overflow with farmers to understand impacts Review action and of agricultural run-off resourcing plan with farmers to Create an action understand impacts and resourcing plan of agricultural with key urban run-off stakeholders to improve Review action and Acknowledgments management of resourcing plan with Key road run-off key urban stakeholders to Milestones improve management of Supporting actions Data collection Analysis Plans Engagement Project delivery Secure resources road run-off Asset Management Plan (AMP) period

AMP7 (2020 - 2025) AMP8 (2025 - 2030) AMP9 (2030 - 2035)

25 26 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 28 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments

30-31 Year 10 Review survey to subject to Year 1 and need being awareness R&D studies engagement Year 5 surveys demonstrated review against effectiveness of zone undertaken Reviewed public consumption and understand public Undertake a public Sealing of high-risk awareness of water AMP9 (2030 - 2035)

29-30 Year 9 solutions solutions drainage subject to need being sustainable Deliver SuDS demonstrated projects which Implemented address multiple zone undertaken from R&D studies Incorporate results Sealing of high-risk

28-29 Year 8 solutions solutions drainage subject to need being sustainable Deliver SuDS demonstrated projects which Implemented address multiple zone undertaken from R&D studies Incorporate results Sealing of high-risk

27-28 Year 7 schemes for AMP9 subject to with water restoration need being Deliver river Data collection Analysis Plans Engagement Project delivery Secure resources Data collection Analysis Plans Engagement Project delivery Secure resources demonstrated Implemented schemes in line zone undertaken river restoration from R&D studies Incorporate results company activities Align with planning Sealing of high-risk Key AMP8 (2025 - 2030) Milestones

26-27 Year 6 studies Supporting actions subject to Sealing of catchment need being Revise R&D undertaken options for commission to undertake Determined high-risk zone feasibility and demonstrated upper/priority consultant need Review potential interventions and optioneering tasks where appropriate sections/ reaches

25-26 Year 5 Winter ingress) strategy 1 survey schemes survey to continued. Enhanced awareness (preventing stakeholder Review pilot engagement engagement investigations flow in the River consumption and understand public Review public and Chess and public address quick wins understanding of Undertake a public Minor civil works to review against Year awareness of water

24-25 Year 4 Winter for flow ingress) solutions solutions drainage alleviation continued. at Hawridge sustainable Deliver SuDS and flooding Pilot schemes investigations projects which improvements Implemented to address quick Minor civil works address multiple wins (preventing Plans finalised to cease abstractions

23-24 Year 3 Winter ingress) reaches Options alleviation continued. catchment for reduced (preventing commission abstractions to undertake and flooding investigations feasibility and consultant need determined for Review potential Pilot schemes for interventions and priority sections/ optioneering tasks address quick wins where appropriate Minor civil works to Identifying models flow improvements

22-23 Year 2 plans Winter ingress) resource schemes for AMP8 AMP7 (2020 - 2025) continued. with issues catchment (preventing catchment engagement usage in the management investigations develop public regional water the River Chess campaigns and Reduced water Develop R&D for Flood Risk model flow amelioration Engagement with consumption with address quick wins Minor civil works to Align with planning Improve and refine Target public water

21-22 Year 1 water survey to infiltration stakeholder modelling to

engagement engagement consumption consumption awareness of improvements Increased and of groundwater

strategy for flow improved public understand public investigations and Continued surveys, Undertake a public Develop public and awareness of water determine hotspots Asset Management Plan (AMP) period

action plan action Managing flow flow Managing

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 27 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 30 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments

30-31 Year 10 projects datasets 1 and Year 5 analyse INNS and successful Chess (INNS) of INNS surveys on State of the Collate, map and Report produced comparing to Year Undertake a review AMP9 (2030 - 2035)

29-30 Year 9 surveys datasets enhanced Collate and analyse INNS INNS control Undertake INNS Understanding of

28-29 Year 8 delivered INNS control Solutions for which address INNS control Deliver projects

27-28 Year 7 surveys planning undertaken Data collection Analysis Plans Engagement Project delivery Secure resources Data collection Analysis Plans Engagement INNS surveys reduction trials INNS biological Develop pilot for Align with AMP9 Undertake INNS Key Milestones AMP8 (2025 - 2030)

26-27 Year 6 Supporting actions from Year 4 Options for determined Review INNS lessons learnt INNS control reduction trials control options INNS biological Develop pilot for and methods and

25-26 Year 5 Year 1 datasets State of the produced on analyse INNS Chess (INNS) Collate, map and Mid-term report comparing against

24-25 Year 4 delivered INNS control Solutions for which address INNS control Deliver projects

23-24 Year 3 phases Review surveys enhanced planning for prioritisation eradication in INNS control reduction trials INNS biological Develop pilot for Undertake INNS Understanding of

22-23 Year 2 INNS groups datasets Align with AMP7 (2020 - 2025) Options for Review INNS and methods reduction trials control options AMP8 planning INNS biological volunteer action Train and set up Develop pilot for

21-22 Year 1 Undertake Collate and tackle INNS

INNS surveys species (INNS)

Baseline created invasive non-native analyse datasets of Develop strategy to

Asset Management Plan (AMP) period

species action plan species Control of invasive non-native non-native of invasive Control

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 29 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 32 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments

30-31 Year 10 analysis 10 data datasets of wildlife across the catchment native species on enhanced improvements Review wildlife Produce report Undertake gap belt programme of green and blue wildlife corridors Report produced understanding of comparing change with Year 1 baseline of re-introduction of and Year 5 and Year Review effectiveness Review effectiveness Review effectiveness AMP9 (2030 - 2035)

29-30 Year 9 multiple of wildlife delivered programme connectivity parameters corridors and and blue belt other themes Solutions for projects which improve wildlife as part of green Phase 1 projects of native species Expand synergies Expand synergies for re-introduction Deliver partnership net gain, sustain or enhance ecological improvements with address biodiversity

28-29 Year 8 multiple of wildlife delivered programme connectivity parameters corridors and and blue belt other themes Solutions for projects which improve wildlife as part of green Phase 1 projects of native species Expand synergies Expand synergies for re-introduction Deliver partnership net gain, sustain or enhance ecological improvements with address biodiversity

27-28 Year 7 multiple of wildlife delivered programme connectivity parameters Data collection Analysis Plans Engagement Project delivery Secure resources Data collection Analysis Plans Engagement Project delivery Secure resources corridors and and blue belt other themes Solutions for native species projects which improve wildlife as part of green Expand synergies Expand synergies re-introduction of Deliver partnership net gain, sustain or enhance ecological improvements with address biodiversity Phase 1 projects for Key Milestones AMP8 (2025 - 2030)

26-27 Year 6 where Supporting actions of wildlife solutions undertake catchment conducted programme commission and blue belt feasibility and Optioneering appropriate to improvements as part of green consultant need Phase 1 projects of native species Review potential Expand synergies Expand synergies interventions and for re-introduction with other themes and feasibility of optioneering tasks

25-26 Year 5 analysis (Year 1) datasets. enhanced across the Review and catchment blend wildlife native species Review wildlife comparing the people themes Undertake gap Produce report and working with re-introduction of wildlife corridors water quality, flow change to baseline Understanding of improvements with Review pilot trials for

24-25 Year 4 multiple delivered connectivity and plan for parameters corridors and incrementally Solutions for projects which re-introduction weirs, sustain or improve wildlife Launch strategy stretches of river net gain, remove for native species re-wilding priority Deliver partnership enhance ecological address biodiversity Undertake pilot trials

23-24 Year 3 species species multiple delivered connectivity and plan for parameters corridors and incrementally Solutions for projects which re-introduction trials for native (including SSSI Undertake pilot weirs, sustain or improve wildlife sites) for priority for a ‘green and stretches of river net gain, remove Develop strategy Develop strategy re-wilding priority blue belt’ plan for Deliver partnership enhance ecological enhancing habitats address biodiversity

22-23 Year 2 tasks begins solutions Align with AMP7 (2020 - 2025) catchment conducted Commission interventions opportunities feasibility of native species million project power lines £2 appropriate to re-introduction AMP8 planning Review potential and optioneering consultants where Optioneering and Undergrounding of Pilot landscape and undertake feasibility Develop strategy for wildlife amelioration

21-22 Year 1 species species analysis. datasets. Align with catchment connectivity and plan for Map wildlife

Local Nature corridors and Chess Project incrementally Examine R&D Recovery Plan projects which Collate wildlife re-introduction (including SSSI Undertake gap weirs, sustain or improve wildlife sites) for priority for a ‘green and

stretches of river Scope a strategy Scope a strategy net gain, remove Align with Wilder Buckinghamshire re-wilding priority options for native blue belt’ plan for Baseline created Recovery Strategy corridors across the enhance ecological Initiate partnership enhancing habitats address biodiversity Asset Management Plan (AMP) period

action plan action Improving wildlife corridors wildlife Improving

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 31 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 34 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments

30-31 Year 10 home Review strategy pilot trial Assessed education catchment in the Access Chess events web resource consumption Review water value water etc effectiveness of Compare public ownership and the River Chess programme pilot Hold annual River Year 2 and Year 5 Review interactive access datasets to education sessions Implement actions use the catchment, public access in the Review how people on valuing water at engagement with AMP9 (2030 - 2035)

29-30 Year 9 strategy pilot trial education enhanced Implement awareness volunteering in the Access programmes web resource consumption Expand water programmes and fundraiser Conduct public programme pilot awareness survey Hold annual event Expand interactive Volunteering and Implement actions

28-29 Year 8 to learn strategy pilot trial education approaches, volunteering in the Access web resource consumption creative hubs Expand water and fundraiser Review current volunteers to see programme pilot of the River Chess Hold annual event Expand interactive surveys and survey Volunteering and Implement actions Hold education and Expand cultural and what they would like compare with Year 4 on the management resilience improved volunteering sessions

27-28 Year 7 strategy pilot trial ment and education education education Education approaches community in the Access programmes programmes web resource consumption Data collection Analysis Plans Engagement Project delivery Secure resources Data collection Analysis Plans Engagement Project delivery Secure resources Expand water against Year 1 and fundraiser Review current water at home Hold education Deepen engage programme pilot programmes for Hold annual event schools and local Expand interactive new and improved groups expanded sessions on valuing Implement actions review and develop education to higher Key AMP8 (2025 - 2030) Milestones

26-27 Year 6 trial access strategy channels Supporting actions education increased Implement Implement volunteering in the Access consumption Expand water address public projects which Diversity and and fundraiser programmes to user and access communication inclusion of the programme pilot programmes and web resource pilot groups to the river Enhance outreach Hold annual event River Chess users Expand interactive expand diversity of Implement actions

25-26 Year 5 strategy pilot trial education catchment access in the in the Access Year 2 public engagement web resource consumption Review water Pilot range of and outreach engagement and fundraiser Review public Conduct public Compare public communication programme pilot awareness survey Review interactive access datasets to Hold annual event access and public Implement actions channels to expand

24-25 Year 4 home utilising resources education Pilot water enhanced sessions on Implement Implement community programmes engagement engagement consumption actions in the feedback and and improved and fundraiser approaches for interactive web water and the Hold education Access strategy Public value of Develop cultural valuing water at Pilot trial for new programme pilot river catchment and creative hubs Hold annual event

23-24 Year 3 entities strategy Pilot water developed Implement community approaches programme volunteering volunteering in the Access engagement consumption feedback and Initiate public programmes and improved web resources Volunteering and fundraiser Review current approaches for and commercial Pilot trial for new public, enterprise school education programmes with engagement plan Hold annual event utilising interactive Implement actions

22-23 Year 2 Moor) utilising strategy resources education well-being AMP7 (2020 - 2025) Pilot water health and Scope pilot developed and further community programme at Chesham blue health can improve engagement engagement consumption feedback and and improved Develop public Develop public approaches for interactive web Access strategy Education and projects for how approaches for the River Chess for school, public Pilot trial for new school education Improve facilities to the catchment (improve facilities

21-22 Year 1 Access, with the schemes assessed improved education catchment catchment gaps in the community recreation, River Chess specific area water saving

engagement web resources and fundraiser Review current Review current Conduct public approaches for Scope new and Scope targeted education and and surrounding

programme pilot school education programmes and consumption in a public access and Ensure alignment awareness survey access to the river public and further Chess Valley Walk Hold annual event for reducing water awareness of the utilising interactive Collate datasets on revitalisation of the see where there are Asset Management Plan (AMP) period

action plan action Involving people Involving

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 33 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 36 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments

30-31 Year 10 models models strategy strategy business advocacy measures Report on Report on Report on Report on advocated future plans State of the engagement Chess jointly business water changes to the Review smarter effectiveness of effectiveness of effectiveness of effectiveness of partnership and and sustainability rural engagement urban engagement Report on resilience AMP9 (2030 - 2035)

29-30 Year 9 models models learned Appoint Financial independent Share lessons Track smarter the success of business water sustainability model reviewed assessor to review

28-29 Year 8 models reviewed exchange framework groups/ river Partnership Learning and opportunities Target specific business water Expand smarter unified/ inclusive Focus on schemes stretch to be more that bring together various user groups

27-28 Year 7 lobbyists advocacy landowner with AMP9 investment consortium media and Data collection Analysis Plans Engagement Project delivery Secure resources Data collection Analysis Plans Engagement Project delivery Secure resources Align planning Joint external Wider range of co-funding and business forum/ stakeholders and Expand fund and from user groups, engagement and Review and revise investment model Identify sources of outreach measures created with inputs Expand farmer and platforms created reporting platforms Key AMP8 (2025 - 2030) Milestones

26-27 Year 6 model Review models Launch strategy Supporting actions advocacy measures Re-launch outcomes investment partnership Chess report Track smarter business water on State of the phase 1 piloted Investment and framework based resilience model

25-26 Year 5 model Establish measures issues and consortium user groups stakeholder engagement sustainability conference to management Year 1 surveys rural and urban the River Chess’ business forum/ compare against strategy to lobby Hold a ‘Future of Government and Review advocacy Review and revise the Chess report Mid-term review Develop fund and Review agricultural review action plans based on State of

24-25 Year 4 net gain financial measures consortium programme Pilot smarter engagement Funding and usage models management improvements business water acquisition and models for land and individuals) and user groups and urban water Scope viability of of environmental champions in the financial growth Acknowledge rural Scope societal and Lobby Government Track advocacy and network (businesses opportunities as part models established fund and investment

23-24 Year 3 created schemes local groups network and Reach out to Identify pilot opportunities Partnerships business water projects to trial Set up farming and user groups users and create Scope growth of CSR volunteering Educate and train resilience models engagement plans advice and subsidy partnership models Lobby Government sustainability and

22-23 Year 2 plans Lobby network potential measures measures identified AMP7 (2020 - 2025) catchment with AMP8 investment represents user groups Partnership and actions Identify pilot engagement engagement engagement investment in Align planning stakeholders in projects to trial priority groups Identify sources rural stakeholder Integrate new or Government and line with planned of co-funding and urban stakeholder Review and adopt Review and adopt

21-22 Year 1 plan plans strategy landowner developed Commission partnership relationships

engagement engagement a Catchment Strategy for create unified conference to Officer (CSFO) the River Chess’ and user groups Launch Smarter

and strategies to Hold a ‘Future of investment plans determine action Build farmer and Sensitive Farming through the CSFO Water Catchment Review stakeholder Lobby Government Asset Management Plan (AMP) period

action plan action Working together Working

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 35 Working in Managing our Creating a ‘smarter Catchment Our shared Achieving 38 Introduction partnership catchments water catchment’ planning long-term plan multiple benefits Next steps Acknowledgments river flow Improving habitat Creating/ enhancing flood risk Reducing Reducing heritage water quality Protecting

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R R site connectivity Improving public R resilience and capacity resilience and capacity Developing partnership Creating a catchment’ ‘smarter water ‘smarter water Promoting community engagement wellbeing Promoting health and Raising carbon awareness footprint and support Reducing benefits economic Delivering Identify which measures are most effective to effective which measures are most Identify benefits achieve in Help our partners assess their progress their own objectives achieving sector with an increased the water Provide that partnerships of the potential understanding decisions when making investment offer can Collecting this evidence will help us to demonstrate us to demonstrate will help this evidence Collecting as: as well of our approach the value • • • of the at the start finalise the criteria We’ll on our and provide annual updates programme progress.

We believe a collaborative and cross-sector approach a collaborative believe We social and multiple environmental, will deliver catchment our we deliver financial benefits. So, while we of this as collect as much evidence plans, we’ll the whole across using an agreed set of criteria can using input shape these criteria We’ll programme. possible, seek to sources, and wherever several from our success. quantify Across the industry, there’s been a huge drive to huge drive Across the industry, there’s been a tools to new assessments and use the right create add. So far, these solutions can the value demonstrate to is yet and one single approach is limited, evidence process. the mainstream price review for be adopted We can’t assess nature-based solutions using the assess nature-based solutions can’t We calculations as cost-benefit same methods and in hard-engineered investing would to justify we provide many they is because This infrastructure. and user groups communities more benefits to local and beyond. across the catchment

benefits Achieving multiple Achieving

Working together to protect and enhance our water environment 37 Introduction

Next steps Acknowledgements partnership Working in

From April 2021, we’ll begin to deliver the Year 1 Our initial investment of £3 million in each catchment Thames Water would like to thank all of the enthusiasm expressed to achieve this vision and

actions of our ‘smarter water catchment’ plans. will make a huge difference, but our partnership organisations and individuals representing the look forward to working together to deliver the plan. catchments Managing our members will also seek additional funding and partnership who have contributed their valuable For each catchment partnership, we’ve established resources and capitalise on external opportunities technical inputs, insights and time during the The information provided to develop this plan is a new project steering group made up of wherever possible to deliver our joint aims. process, through various forums and engagement correct as of 31st March 2021, and has the formal representatives from different organisations and platforms, to enable the joint development of this support of key stakeholders. sectors, and chaired by the catchment host While we’re keen to get going with our plans, plan. We greatly appreciate the commitment and water catchment’ Creating a ‘smarter organisation. They will oversee the delivery of our understanding the most effective governance goals and drive forward our overall approach. structures and financial models will also be a key Partners priority over the next year to enable our new way Affinity Water​ Chilterns Conservation Board We’ll set up relevant sub-groups to draw in subject of working. Amersham Birdwatching Club Environment Agency matter experts and enhance the progress that Blackwell Farm Hertfordshire & Middlesex Wildlife Trust​ planning Catchment can be made. Wherever possible, we’ll exchange Buckinghamshire Council​ Hertfordshire County Council​ knowledge and best practice across the whole Chenies Fly Fishers Latimer Park Fly Fishers programme to identify the most efficient and Chenies Parish Council Loudwater Residents Association effective ways of working. If you’d like to help Chesham & District Natural History Society Queen Mary University of London us make a step Chesham Environment Group Restore Hope

Chesham Renaissance CIC River Chess Association long-term plan Our shared change and care Chesham Town Council Sarratt Parish Council Chess Rivers Association​ Sustainable Chesham for water across this Chiltern Society Three Rivers District Council catchment, we’d love Chilterns Chalk Streams Project

for you to join in. Photography multiple benefits Achieving • Front cover and pages 12, 16, 18, 20, 22 • Pages 2, 4, 6 and 39 photos taken by and 24 photos taken by Allen Beechey, Thames Water Chilterns Conservation Board • Page 14 photo taken by Paul Jennings, River Chess Association Next steps Acknowledgments

39 Latimer Park 40 We welcome your views on this ‘smarter water catchment’ plan. Please share them with our dedicated team via Working in partnership [email protected].