In January 2020 we invited Rob Mungovan of the Wild Trout Trust (a leading authority on chalk streams) to visit the New River and advise us on the condition of the river and potential improvements that could be made.
His report identifies some major issues facing the New River and recommended remedial actions, including:
- Low flow including a total loss of flow on occasions
- Excessive widening of the river in many stretches which slow the flow and lead to sediment deposition. Sediment now covers the chalk and gravel base (needed by fish for spawning) throughout much of the river.
- Many various hard-engineering bank stabilisation structures now present in many areas through the village have prevented marginal plants from thriving. Marginal plants should provide cover and food for a wide range of invertebrates, which in turn would sustain a variety of birds, mammals and fish. Plant roots within the natural riverbank would bind soil particles, aiding bank strength, controlling fine sediment input and would add to the natural beauty of the river corridor.
- Various impoundments, built over many years, including weirs designed to maintain water in specific areas, sluices and fish ponds, slow the river’s flow. Some of these now appear redundant and their removal would be beneficial.
The full report is available below.