19. Windows of Vision at Singler’s Marsh, Welwyn

Themes: Water Quality, Habitats and Wildlife; People

Objectives:

  • That whatever the flow level, the river and its associated habitats, including banks and floodplains, are managed to support chalk stream species
  • To increase the attractiveness, visibility and public access, to enable people to appreciate the river (commensurate with managing and protecting sensitive habitats and species)

Project description

This project opened up gaps or ‘windows’ in the bankside trees and shrubs which border the main B656 road. This has two benefits: firstly it will improve levels of light reaching the river, encouraging the growth of aquatic plants, and secondly it will also allow passers-by to see the river, increasing their awareness of it.

Through Singlers Marsh, much of the river was over-shaded. This both restricted light to the river and hid the river from view from the adjacent road and footpath.

This project cut down some of the bankside vegetation, to open up gaps or ‘windows’ in the trees and shrubs which border the main B656 road. This had two benefits: firstly it improved levels of light reaching the river, encouraging the growth of aquatic plants, and secondly it allows passers-by to see the river, increasing their awareness of it.  Large willow trees on the marsh side of the river were also be pollarded.

Work was done in winter to avoid the bird nesting season and limit disruption to wildlife.

 

This work is now complete.

Grid reference: TL22891668
Project lead: Friends of the Mimram Singlers Marsh Special Interest Group
Project partners: Environment Agency; HMWT
Funding source: Natural England via the Nature Improvement Area (NIA) funding
Project start: November 2012
Project end: March 2013
Contact for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Windows of Vision at Singler’s Marsh, Welwyn

Design by LTD Design Consultants and build by Garganey Consulting.