7. Integrated Management of Melissa Field and Croft Farm
Theme: Ecology and management
Objective:
- Increase the amount and quality of in-channel, bankside and floodplain habitat
Project description
This project will increase light to an over-shaded section of the river.
This area, Melissa Field, is owned by Wheathampstead Parish Council. The river flows along the southern boundary of the Field. The Council have a management plan in place for the Field as a whole, including the river and its left/northern bank. There is a complementary plan which focuses on the right/south bank and involves pollarding some of the large bankside trees and clearing bankside undergrowth to increase light to the river and promote the growth of in-channel and bankside plants.
In summer 2015, the riparian owner of the right bank removed a number of fallen trees that were causing obstructions and consequent silting in the river. The effect of this work is being monitored but the benefits in terms of more exposed gravel bed and more in-river vegetation (eg water crowfoot) are already apparent.
Project lead: Wheathampstead Parish Council
Funding source: Parish Council small tree fund
Project start: Winter 2015
Contact for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
