Our immediate plans are to undertake remedial projects to improve the health and welfare of our chalk stream and are guided by the findings in the report following the advisory visit by Rob Mungovan of the Wild Trout Trust who was supported by the Environment Agency.
The 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.
Our first project will be to improve the Ducks Lane area
