8. Bringing light to the river at Whitwell
Theme: Water Quality, Habitats and Wildlife
Objective:
- That water quality, temperature and river bed quality are such that they support chalk stream ecology
Project description
To remove some of the over-shading trees and vegetation, allowing more light to reach the river.
This section of the Mimram is over shaded and needs opening up, and some of the trees, especially willow, need taking out or coppicing. This will allow more light to reach the river, promoting the growth of in-channel and bank side plants and enhancing the ecology.
In an enhancement to the original project plan, the work will now include installing a new fence along the river 3 metres from the bank. This improvement will reduce erosion of the bank and allow a larger area of riparian vegetation to develop, which will benefit Water Voles, Invertebrates and other Wildlife.
Wood from the tree and scrub clearance is being used for the Whitwell village bonfire this year.
Grid reference: TL18662135
Project lead: Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust
Project partners: Landowner
Funding source: Natural England via The Lea Catchment Nature Improvement Area with some match funding from the Landowner.
Contact for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
