Project launched to prevent riverbank erosion and improve habitat

Three Rivers District Council will start work on the river restoration project in Rickmansworth with the aim of protecting the River Chess from bank erosion and creating a safe green space for people to enjoy, whilst enhancing the habitat.

A 500 metre section of the river will be restored upstream of Scotsbridge Playing Fields.

Cllr Jon Tankard, Lead Member for Climate Change and Sustainability, said: “The river Chess is a chalk stream, which is a globally rare habitat and considered to be the most botanically diverse type of river in the UK. Hertfordshire is home to 10% of the worlds Chalk Streams and as custodians of those that flow through Three Rivers district, its vitally important that we preserve and enhance these important habitats for future generations.

“The Scotsbridge section of the river is a former mill stream, raised above the level of the flood plain, which makes it particularly vulnerable to bank erosion. This vital project will help protect and restore this stretch of the riverbank.”

The council’s vision is to restore the river using in-channel natural features, create habitats along the bank and prevent further erosion. Tree works will open the river to sunlight, allowing vegetation to thrive, and gravel augmentation areas will alleviate the pressure of the river on the bank.

Restored areas will be temporarily fenced to ensure they become properly established.

The council has secured £58,146.66 from Thames Water via the Chess Smarter Water Catchment as well as £10,555 from UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver the project, working in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service.

The council’s plans are available for comment by stakeholders and local residents until 16 February: haveyoursay.threerivers.gov.uk/river-chess-at-scotsbridge-engagement