Update on the Revistalising the River Ver Project for St Albans District Council and ColneCan from the Environment Agency October 2024

We are making good progress with our plans for Reaches 2 and 3 of the Revitalising the River Ver Project. In our last update, we shared our designs for the tree and in-channel river restoration works to be completed in Reaches 2 and 3. We have secured the funding for these works and are looking to complete the tree works later this Autumn. Reach 1 tree works will also be carried out at this time and will focus on deshading of the river and canalised section through the Park.
These works form part of a wider project, where the Environment Agency and St Albans District Council are working together to revitalise the River Ver.
As you may know, the River Ver is a globally rare chalk stream. As a rule of thumb, chalk streams need about 70% light to 30% dappled shade to support the habitats and wildlife that they are so well known for. The River Ver in Reaches 1, 2 and 3 is heavily shaded, which is why the tree works we’re completing are needed. These works will increase the amount of natural light reaching the river. Without this, the river can’t support the plants which the river ecology relies on.
Trees are an important part of our ecosystems, and we appreciate that tree work and removal can be an emotive subject for all of us. That’s why we’ve completed a detailed tree survey and have shared and discussed our plans with local residents, stakeholders, and riparian owners. We have carefully designed our plans, only removing trees where necessary. We have prioritised non-native species, fast growing species, and those in poor condition for removal first.
We are planning to complete the accompanying in-channel works in Spring of 2025 to ensure works do not disturb fish spawning season.
This winter will also see the first stage of access improvement works in Reach 3 (Holwell Hill to Cottonmill Lane) these works will include path restoration works and replacing a narrow footbridge only accessible by steps with a new ramped bridge.
You can keep up to date with project progress and find our more here: Revitalising the River Ver Project | St Albans City and District Council. If you have any questions or would like to discuss our plans further, please contact Liam Dennis, Project Manager at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..