Watford Borough Council is delighted to announce the success of its development bid, submitted in partnership with Groundwork East, as part of the Water Restoration Fund.
The council has been awarded £198,000 to support the ongoing Rediscovering the River Colne programme, reinforcing efforts to restore and enhance the local water environment.
The Water Restoration Fund utilises fines and penalties collected from water and sewerage companies between April 2022 and October 2023 to support environmental improvement projects. The funding will enable the council and its partners to build on the progress already made in improving the River Colne, a Priority Habitat Chalk River, ensuring it thrives as a vital ecological corridor for both wildlife and the local community.
The Rediscovering the River Colne programme is a long-term, ten-year initiative dedicated to improving and preventing further deterioration of Watford’s water environment, with the ultimate goal of achieving good ecological status for the river. The latest funding will be used to:
- Plan and design future river restoration projects – A detailed plan will be developed for restoration at Oxhey Park, Riverside Recreation Ground, and Lairage Land, including in-river works such as installing berms to improve flow, reconnecting backwaters, reducing shading, and enhancing access.
- Enhancing weirs for fish migration – Weirs will be modified with fish passages to improve river connectivity, support biodiversity, and align with goals of the project, whilst maintaining ecological integrity.
- Improve water quality with wetland features – A new constructed wetland at Radlett Road will help filter and slow water runoff from housing and roads before it reaches the river, tackling one of the worst polluting outfalls.
- Support water quality monitoring – Volunteers, supported by key partners, will continue essential water quality monitoring to ensure the river remains protected.
- Develop the ‘Junior River Wardens’ programme – This initiative will help engage young people in river conservation, fostering future generations of environmental stewards.
The Rediscovering the River Colne programme has already achieved major milestones, delivering successful in-river interventions at Knutsford Playing Fields, Timberlake Allotments, and Waterfields Recreation Ground. These efforts have helped restore the river’s environmental potential, enhancing biodiversity while improving community access and engagement with nature.
Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said: "This funding is a significant boost for our ongoing efforts to restore the River Colne and create a healthier, more sustainable environment for our community. By continuing this vital work, we are ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from this important natural asset.”
Learn more about the 'Rediscovering the River Colne' programme here
