On behalf of the Environment Agency, we helped bring a river and lake back to life in St Albans. The river and lake were in poor condition with decreased water quality, siltation, and excessive numbers of wild fowl. Algal blooms and reduced oxygen levels in the water had also negatively impacted wildlife.
We worked closely with the client and a project steering group which included Affinity Water, the local council and wildlife trust to develop over 50 management and restoration options with benefits to heritage, utilities, hydrology and flood risk, geomorphology, habitat creation, water quality, landscape, amenity, fish passage and sustainability. Fifteen were shortlisted and considered in further detail. Additional studies were then undertaken and reviewed to determine the preferred option for each reach.
The preferred river improvements included the creation of in-channel berms and riffles for natural river processes, wetlands and wet woodlands. They also featured channel re-alignment to the natural valley bottom, reconnecting the river to the floodplain, and significant access improvements to enable locals to enjoy the river. Lake upgrades included improving the flow through the lake, partial infilling and the creation of wetland areas.
We worked closely with the project group to ensure the local community understood the proposals, which were accepted and implemented.