1. Harmondsworth Moor river enhancements

Aim: Improve wildlife corridors

Water body: Wraysbury River
Project description

Tree management along the riverbanks to create areas of light and shade, protected areas for fish fry and install natural flow deflectors to improve biodiversity in and along the river bank .

The River Colne and Wraysbury River are key features and habitat in the landscape of Harmondsworth Moor Country Park. During 2010 – 2012 small tree works were carried out along the rivers. In these areas there has been an increase in beneficial aquatic plants such as water crowsfoot. Visitors to the Park have also appreciated how the tree work has opened up views to the river and raised awareness of the habitat.

With guidance from the Wild Trout Trust and the Environment Agency a further 10 locations along the river have been identified where trees works and natural deflector installation would benefit the river habitat as well as improve the route of the Colne Valley Trail alongside the river which links up to other key destinations and green spaces. The installation of deflectors would vary the speed of the water flow and help move along silt and expose the valuable gravel on the river bed which shelter and encourage small invertebrates and attract fish populations.

Update 2023: several visits organised by the Colne Valley Park Green Team with corporate supporters doing maintenance work such as coppicing and Himalayan balsam pulling under the direction of the Harmondsworth Moor Rangers.

Project lead: Groundwork South
Project partners: Environment Agency, British Airways
Contact for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Project start: 2013

Design by LTD Design Consultants and build by Garganey Consulting. From an original concept by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.