5. Habitat Improvement River Colne Oxhey Park

Aim: Improve water quality

Water body: River Colne

Project description

In order for the River Colne at Oxhey Park to better perform as a high quality habitat, a project was proposed to introduce a series of brushwood berms along the South bank and undertake some light maintenance works along the existing berms on the North Bank.

Flood Defence Consent was granted.

A greater abundance of this habitat was introduced to benefit local wildlife as well as increase channel sinuosity, helping to promote scouring flows that will help clean the river bed. The project also involved the hinding of small willows on the Colne's North bank.

December 2023 Update

Community Connections CIC constructed more berms: packing brushwood bundles and planting. Contractors are expected late in 2024 to undertake works through the Rediscovering the River Colne project.

March 2024 Update from Sandy Beloni, Community Connection Projects CIC

Works have had a dramatic effect on the river through Oxhey Park with a far greater abundance of marginal vegetation, light, cleaner gravels and improved flow regime. Please see the photo showing one area:

Watford Borough Council Contact: Hayley Page, Parks Department, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Project lead: Community Connection Projects CIC

Project partners: Watford Borough Council

Contact for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Funding source: Watford Borough Council