Work to start soon on major project to Revitalise the River Ver

Work on an ambitious project to Revitalise the River Ver where it flows through St Albans is to gather pace this winter.<_o3a_p>

The overall aim of the project is to enhance a 2.5 kilometre stretch of the Ver, a rare chalk stream, and its surrounding environment.<_o3a_p>

St Albans City and District Council has been working on the scheme in partnership with the Environment Agency (EA) and Affinity Water.<_o3a_p>

An update on progress was given in a report to a recent meeting of the Council's Public Realm Committee.<_o3a_p>

Councillors were told that work will soon be underway to create a new wetlands, by restoring a meadow to its original state, and to open up the heavily-shaded river to more essential sunlight.<_o3a_p>

The wetlands are part of finalised, detailed designs for the section of the river that runs from Verulamium Park's causeway to the Cottonmill allotments.<_o3a_p>

It will be created in the meadow adjacent to Abbey View Athletics Track.<_o3a_p>

The wetlands will improve the park's biodiversity by providing a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, such as wading birds, and different plant species.<_o3a_p>

It will also connect with the river on this part of the flood plain, preventing stagnant pools of flood water from building up as can happen at present. <_o3a_p>

In addition, there will be tree work on both riverbanks, stretching from the St Michael's Street entrance to the park to the allotments. <_o3a_p>

This work will reduce shading which is currently preventing much natural light reaching the river to the detriment of the general environment.<_o3a_p>

The tree and wetlands work is being funded by £175,000 the Council has obtained from the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), £300,000 from the EA and £250,000 from Affinity Water.<_o3a_p>

The Council has allocated a further £180,000 from UKSPF to replace a footbridge and improve a footpath from Holywell Hill to Cottonmill Lane. <_o3a_p>

All of these works should be completed by the spring of next year.<_o3a_p>

Councillor Helen Campbell, the Committee's Chair and Lead for Parks, said:

Residents will be pleased to know that work will soon be underway on this project which has been years in the making.<_o3a_p>

The Environment Agency has a long-term commitment to restore rare chalk streams, such as the Ver, and improve their ecosystems.<_o3a_p>

We are right behind this endeavour as these streams are sometimes referred to as England's rain forests or Great Barrier Reef. They are national treasures.<_o3a_p>

An Environment Agency spokesperson said:

Trees are vital to our environment and we appreciate that tree work and removal can be an emotive subject for all of us. That's why we've taken great care in planning this essential work to improve the River Ver's unique chalk stream ecosystem.<_o3a_p>

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We've completed detailed surveys and are only removing specific trees - primarily non-native, unhealthy and hazardous specimens - to allow more light to reach the river, supporting the rare plants and wildlife that make this chalk stream so special.<_o3a_p>

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We've worked closely with local residents throughout this process and incorporated their feedback into our plans.<_o3a_p>

Councillors were told a review of the most challenging aspect of the Revitalising the Ver project is being undertaken.<_o3a_p>

This involves the stretch of the river as it flows into the park, through Bell Meadow, alongside the lakes and up to the causeway which is the footpath that runs between Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub and King Harry Lane.<_o3a_p>

One of the Council's aims is to improve the appearance and habitat of Verulamium Park's heavily-silted artificial lakes.<_o3a_p>

Initial plans to return the river to its natural course so that it flowed into the lakes would cost between £4 million to £6 million, well above the Council's available budget set aside for the project.<_o3a_p>

Two alternative options are now being proposed and will be examined by the project's working group.<_o3a_p>

Both options would largely maintain the river in its current channel, but still make alterations to the lake area, including the reuse of silt to naturalise the edges for habitat enhancement.<_o3a_p>

Councillor Campbell added:

The Ver project allows us the opportunity to tackle the decades-long issues with the artificial lakes which were built almost a century ago to a design that would not be considered today.<_o3a_p>

I know that the state of the lakes is one of our residents' major concerns and we are determined that we will seize this chance to provide a long-term solution.<_o3a_p>

It's clear that the initial plans for this part of the project would cost way beyond what we can afford, but there are other options which we are excited about and we will now look at in detail.<_o3a_p>

With tree, wetlands and planting work taking place this winter, the Revitalising the Ver project is now beginning to take shape and we will decide early next year on the best option for the lake area.<_o3a_p>

Photo: the shaded River Ver at Verulamium Park.<_o3a_p>

Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727 819533, [email protected].<_o3a_p>

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