39. River Beane at Waterford
Theme: Water Quality, Habitats and Wildlife
Objective:
- That whatever the flow level, the river and its associated habitats, including banks and floodplains, are managed to support chalk stream species
Project description
This is a partnership project between the Environment Agency and Countryside Management Service (Hertfordshire County Council).
Overall project objectives
- Reduce river impoundment throughout the River Beane catchment
- Increase opportunities for natural geomorphological processes to exist, including formation of riverine features and riparian habitat
- Improve fish and eel passage along the River Beane
- Contribute to Water Framework Directive (WFD) objectives through enhancement/restoration of the local ecological systems and water quality
- Protect and improve public access adjacent to the River Beane at accessible locations (Rights of Way and Common Land)
- Maintain improved flow to the course of the chalk stream in conjunction with restoring provision of water to Molewood Mill Race
The project consists of two areas of focus:
1. Waterford Marsh and Goldings Meadows Local Wildlife Sites: delivery of in channel and floodplain enhancements as recommended in the "Waterford Weirs" feasibility study (2017) (https://tinyurl.com/waterfordweirs)
The main objectives of this work are to:
- Restore 1km of priority chalk stream habitat
- Create approx. 0.5ha priority wetland habitat on floodplain
- Allow fish and eel passage through area, providing an additional 3km of river habitat
- Ensure ongoing public engagement with relevant landowners and stakeholders
The enhancements that will be delivered include:
- In-channel feature installation to narrow over-wide sections of channel
- Remove a concrete wall on Waterford Marsh, currently in poor condition, and re-profile the banks to form a more natural profile
- Create floodplain scrapes / ponds
- Fencing and cattle drinking points along the channel
- Address small weirs to allow fish and eel passage
- Maintain the Right of Way and access throughout Waterford Marsh
2. Assess opportunities relating to the breach at Waterford horeshoe weir and entrance to Molewood Mill Race by carrying out a feasibility study of various options.
The main objectives of this work are to:
- Allow and improve fish and eel passage
- Retain the new un-impounded river levels upstream of the weir (as sedimentation is reducing) and increased flow that is supporting recovery of chalk stream habitat
- Provide a resilient permanent solution that protects adjacent features from future erosion (Right of Way, riverbank downstream of weir)
- Maximise wider habitat, heritage and public enjoyment opportunities relating to the river, including re-provision of water supply to the Molewood Mill Race.
Proposals:
- Carry out feasibility study, options appraisal and produce outline design(s) of preferred option(s) for breach
- Multiple options to be studied, including whether flow can be restored to millrace channel
- Ensure ongoing engagement with local community
Timeline for work
- Spring 2021: Appoint consultant for feasibility study
- Early Summer 2021: Improvements at Waterford Marsh
- Summer 2021: Preferred option selected from feasibility study
Ongoing local stakeholder engagement:
- April - June 2021: Ongoing digital comms
- June onwards: in person stakeholder events when restrictions allow.
Project lead: Countryside Management Service
Project partners: Environment Agency
Project start: April 2021
Contact for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
