As part of the council’s 10‑year Rediscovering the River Colne project, major habitat restoration works, in partnership with Groundwork East, will begin at Radlett Road Recreation Ground in March 2026
The project aims to restore lost natural habitats, improve biodiversity and create a healthier, more resilient river environment. Recent improvements delivered at Knutsford South and Timberlake Allotments, carried out by River Colne Volunteers and specialist contractor Salix, have already started to make a difference. The next phase will focus on enhancing one of the most visible stretches of the river in the town.
Salix will undertake a month of works at Radlett Road Recreation Ground, introducing a range of in‑river and riverside features designed to support wildlife and improve the structure of the river. This will include building aquatic berms and wooded debris features to vary river depth and flow, creating better conditions for fish, invertebrates and riverside vegetation. Fallen trees already present along the river will be reused to form these natural structures.
Work will also be carried out to regrade the riverbanks, which are currently steep, bare and prone to erosion. By reshaping the banks into shallower gradients, the project will create space for native plants to grow and provide suitable habitat for species such as water voles. In addition, new seasonal scrapes, shallow ponds that hold rain or floodwater, will be created to support amphibians, insects and wetland plants.
Historic connections between the river, ponds and the surrounding floodplain have become blocked with silt over time. These will be reopened to restore natural water flow and help wildlife move freely through the area. Overgrown brambles along the riverbanks and floodplain will be carefully removed to allow a more diverse range of vegetation to re‑establish.
Work is scheduled to begin in early March and is expected to be completed by the end of March, subject to river conditions. Radlett Road Recreation Ground will remain open throughout the works, although public access will be restricted in certain areas to ensure safety.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Restoring the River Colne is one of our most important commitments to the town. This next phase of work at Radlett Road Recreation Ground will bring environmental and community benefits - creating space for wildlife, improving water quality and enhancing one of our much‑loved green spaces. I’m really grateful to the volunteers, partners and contractors who are helping us return the river to a healthier, more natural state for future generations.”
Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said: “These improvements will make a significant difference to the river’s health and resilience. By reopening historic connections, reshaping the banks and adding natural features back into the channel, we’re giving the River Colne room to recover and thrive. It’s been inspiring to see so many volunteers and partners come together with a shared vision for this landscape, and we’re excited to see the transformation continue.”
Find out more about the Rediscovering the River Colne project
Please remember to join us at our Spring River Colne Coffee Evening on 11 March 2026 at The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, book your free ticket here
