We have received this update from Kelly Standbrook, Project Manager Environment Programme Team This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Many of you will already be familiar with our project and its benefits, especially if you’ve been receiving our updates for some time now. We were keen to share the important work we’re doing on the River Gade more widely, however, and have produced a video which you can view on our Environment Agency YouTube channel - Gadebridge Park River Restoration Project. We hope you enjoy it!

Since my last update, BAM Nuttall Ltd (BAM) has completed their work on the profiling of the channel (the gradient and shape of its banks) and its gravel bed. They are continuing to work on the foundations of the new bridge through the centre of the park and the construction of our new gauging station.

Recently, BAM has also started piling work to reinforce the abutments for the bridge next to the Bowls Club. As you can see in the photo below, this work is happening adjacent to the footpath. Due to the noise levels, a BAM employee will be on hand to ensure the activity stops while pedestrians pass.

And finally, those of you who have recently visited the park may have spotted a new defined area of gravel adjacent to the new channel and opposite the adventure playground (see photo below). This area is a designated access point for people and dogs to enter the river.

We want to protect this rare chalk stream and its wildlife, but we also want to help people get closer to the river and enjoy nature. It’s a careful balance. Access to the existing river is uncontrolled and is causing significant localised damage. By having a designated area, we hope that the rest of the river will remain relatively undisturbed, protecting its wildlife.

The naturally larger sizes of sediment in this feature and the faster flow of water should prevent the movement of finer sediments in the water. This will reduce the impact of people and dogs entering here. The area will also be less susceptible to erosion of the banks. In other areas, a planted ‘buffer zone’, between 5 and 10 metres from the riverbank, will help protect the river’s wildlife.

Buffer zones must remain undisturbed by development, with no fencing, footpaths, lighting, formal landscaping or other development. They provide multiple benefits, including the protection of water vole burrows up to 5 metres within the bank, natural flood management, a link for habitats to benefit local biodiversity, and a more attractive river for the enjoyment of the park’s visitors.

Over the next couple of weeks, work on site will pause temporarily for the holidays and the construction area will be closed and secured. The footpath from the Queensway car park to the Bury will remain closed. Please refer to any diversion signs. BAM has provided additional lighting here for everyone’s safety.
Solar powered lighting

In case of any emergencies, you can contact First Response Group who are responsible for the security and surveillance of the site on 0330 124 5670. This number is also displayed on a poster attached to the construction fencing (see photo below).
For non-urgent enquiries, you can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will get back to you as soon as we can in the new year.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a warm and happy festive break, however you’re spending it. I look forward to bringing you further progress updates in 2025! Thank you for all your interest and support this year.

Further Information

Learn more about the Gadebridge Park River Restoration project.

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