The Upper Lea - starting the journey towards the Thames!

Welcome to the website of the Upper Lea Catchment Partnership, and the home of the Upper Lea Catchment Management Plan.  Our Catchment Plan will improve the river for wildlife and for people. It will also help us to meet the UK's obligations under the Water Framework Directive.

 Latest news for the Upper Lea

The winter 2025 newletter for the Upper Lea catchment can be viewed here

Information on the Old River Lea barbel introduction can  be read here.

Please note: If you catch a juvenile barbel, or any barbel with a blue dye mark, please take a picture of the belly and send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Public consultation for the River Basin Management Plan is underway.  To take part in the process follow this link

This is the first step in the process of reviewing and updating the river management plans, last updated in 2022.  A summary of the consultation responses will be published on the EA website within 12 weeks of the consultation closing.

The Meads at Wheathampstead.  This is a busy area which is popular with families during the warmer summer months; it looks beautiful on a frosty winter morning too.

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Upper Lea get involved

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