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Watford volunteers restore banks of 'dirty' River Colne

Simon Jacobs Volunteers clearing the riverSimon Jacobs
Watford Borough Council hopes a 10 year restoration project will help access to the river for wildlife and visitors

Volunteers have begun work to restore the banks of a "dirty, inaccessible" and "unkempt" river.

The 10-year project - Rediscovering the River Colne - in Watford entered its latest phase of improvements on Monday.

Volunteers and staff entered the river to make changes that will improve the landscape for wildlife and visitors.

Watford Borough Council is hoping the project will enhance the area by the time work is scheduled for completion on 15 March.

On the project's website a statement said: "There is a perception that the River Colne in Watford is in many parts dirty, inaccessible, unkempt and of low wildlife value.

"However, there are some places and sites which illustrate how a healthy River Colne can enhance the lives of local people."

Simon Jacobs River Colne with debris in the waterSimon Jacobs
The restoration project has been led by Watford Borough Council alongside environmental charity Groundwork East.

Councillor Ian Stotesbury, portfolio holder for sustainability and transport, said: "These works are an essential part of us restoring the River Colne back to its natural state, ensuring it is a thriving environment for wildlife, and making sure it's a wonderful place to visit.

"We are so grateful to our incredible volunteers for their support; their hard work and dedication is a driving force behind this project."

The council has led the restoration project alongside the environmental charity, Groundwork East.

It was funded by Grundon Waste Management, Affinity Water and the Environment Agency, who joined the council in thanking volunteers for their contributions.

Simon Jacobs A volunteer works to clear foliage by the ColneSimon Jacobs
Volunteers were praised for their work in improving the area around the River Colne

Sam Harbour, project lead at Groundwork East, said: "The volunteers will be completing this fantastic work adding berms and flow deflectors to the Timberlake allotments site along the Watford stretch of the River Colne.

"This should really assist habitat creation and species diversity within the river."

The works will also include planting native flowers in the berms to enhance biodiversity and attract wildlife.

There will be limited access to specific areas and footpaths while the improvements are taking place.

This restoration follows the recent machine-led works that were undertaken by contractors Salix, who restored a backwater pond and reconnected it to the river near Timberlake Allotments.

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