River Improvement Works at Uxbridge Moor
Gerrards Cross and Uxbridge District Angling Society have recently completed an impressive project to improve the River Colne at Uxbridge Moor.
The project focuses on two channels of the river; one being the river’s natural course and the second being a man made channel created to bring power to the former Bell Punch Co. premises where a dynamo was formerly housed. The two channels flow either side of Uxbridge Moor Nature reserve which is owned by The London Borough of Hillingdon and managed by GXUDAS members.
Derek Turton, chair of GXUDAS, along with colleagues Dave Allen and Dan McSweeney, identified that intervention was required to reverse the effects of habitat deterioration at the site. The natural river was lacking in depth variation and in-channel habitat features; and the man made channel was prone to heavy siltation, due to its modified nature and regular low flow conditions. Derek engaged with contractor Aquamaintain and the Environment Agency to assist with the development of a river improvement plan for the site.
The improvement plan has now become a reality and was implemented at the end of 2018. Marginal berms and large pieces of wood have been strategically placed in the water course to diversify the flow of the river and to provide complex marginal habitat for aquatic wildlife to take refuge. Pools have also been created to provide varied depths and conditions suitable for a variety of coarse fish species including the much sought after specimen barbel for which the fishery is famed. The river channel now offers good habitat for both fish spawning, recruitment and adult life phases.
Now work has been completed, the angling club continue to be excellent custodians of Uxbridge Moor, managing habitat for the benefit of local wildlife, removing invasive species and clearing any litter that accumulates at the site. Furthermore the angling club maintains good links with surrounding businesses and landowners to ensure all parties take an interest in the river Colne and understand the benefits of the work that has been undertaken.
To find out more about Gerrards Cross and Uxbridge District Angling Society and their waters, please visit their website: https://gxudas.co.uk/wp/