From the Riverbank - Bob's Ramblings

Sun, 01/11/2009 - 11:41 — bob

JULY 2010

 

The July Epistle

 
 We were very pleased with what we achieved last Sunday at both CStG and upstream of the tennis courts at CStP.    At CStG we cleared "tons" of choking weed, dramatically alleviating the boggy patches on the path between the bridges and, at CStP,   flow was re-established to within a few hundred yards of the tennis courts.  At both ends, people certainly got very wet and muddy and also appeared to have a lot of fun.   As always, It was really good to welcome some new volunteers and to continue to receive consistent support.
 
Revive the Wye, a local community partnership working to restore and revitalise the River Wye, is hosting a "master class" on river habitat enhancement by the Wild Trout Trust.  The event is aimed at providing local river volunteer groups with the knowledge they need to carry out sensitive and achievable river habitat enhancements on their rivers. It will be held on Wednesday 25th August at Kingsmead in High Wycombe and take the form of a practical workshop where a dozen or so attendees from various organisations like ours will be able to practice methods  to create habitat diversity (and avoid damage).  If you could attend on our behalf, please contact Roger Lerry - rogertlerry@talktalk.net - so that he can add your name to the list and send you further information about the day.  (Note: he tells me the Chiltern Society can provide waders).
 
While talking of lists, we now have a good pool of people from whom to draw for the regular flow measurements we are now undertaking, but more are always welcome.  I'm told it is an enjoyable day, with a convivial break in the middle.  No doubt offers of assistance for half a shift would be well received.   Basically, it involves 3 or so people in a team, water, stop watches, a couple of  not very complicated gadgets, a tape measure and waders.  Please let me know if you would like to become involved and I will forward your details.  
 
Some excellent work by members Adrian Marsh (an environmentalist) and Helen Ash (hydrologist) was reviewed enthusiastically at a recent meeting of the CS Restoring the Misbourne Steering Group.  We hope that it will facilitate the long sought for agreement with the EA on the way forward to long term substantial improvements at the leat and the London Road dump.
I'm keen to hear from more people who would like to undertake some of the fieldwork - habitat surveys etc. - being mooted by Adrian.  In a separate development, we have been invited to meet with the EA for a workshop to look at prioritising habitat restoration for the River, under their "Sustainable Abstraction Programme".  
 
 Wanted:- 
  • a couple more old 1 cubic metre/ 1 tonne builder's merchants bags
  • scythe(s)
  • sickle(s)/bill hook(s)/brush hook(s)
  • a petrol strimmer
 
Our next "not a meeting" - i.e a friendly, vaguely river related, non-structured chat over a drink - will be at The Three Pigeons, Austenwood Lane, Chalfont St Peter next Tuesday 27th July at 7.45 p.m.  Find us to the right of the bar.  
 
After that, we should be back onto the programme originally published at the beginning of the year and so our next work day will be Saturday 31st July.   Even though there is no water at present - (apologies to anyone caught in a downpour today!) -  there is still much to do at St Peter, particularly tidying the unsightly, overgrown central areas and also working with the "heavy gang" encouraging flow towards the village.  At St Giles, the priority will be to continue clearing from where we reached last Sunday, just past the blasted chestnut tree, through to the open fields.   Having achieved the main target of draining the boggy areas, the aim now is to ensure maximum flow on into the fields, leading to further improvement.
 
These remain BIG JOBS, so we need as much help as we can get.   If you can join us - even if just for an hour or so - please let me know.  We will be convening at 09.30 by the Community Centre in CStP and by the pond at CStG, but you arrive when you wish!
 
*************************************************************************************

JULY 2010

 

June News - The Sequel

 

With half an eye towards those who may have a residual interest in World Cup football, and more particularly recognising the number of "regulars" who are on holiday next week, we have moved the next work party date again to Sunday 18th July.

While C St Peter readers may find it hard to believe, the river is still flowing so well at C St Giles that the choking weeds are causing real problems of flooding between the village bridges and immediately downstream. This will also be restricting the onward flow into the fields and if that dries up completely, we risk the bed cracking again.  (We think this year's relatively good flow has quite a bit to do with the fact that it didn't dry out last summer/autumn and hope that this year's lubrication will lead to even better flow to Chalfont St Peter next year).  There is a substantial leak at the leat to be tackled and general maintenance through that section.  And, while lacking some water, there are several key points through Chalfont St Peter where attention will yield quick rewards.
 
So, in short, there is a huge amount we can be doing and a really good turnout is called for!  If you can only make one day this year, can I suggest that this is it? ....... and, as always, every little helps, so if you can only offer an hour or so, that will be very welcome.   If you expect to be able to join us, please let me know - it helps with organising tools and planning tasks etc.  
 
There isn't much other news.  You may have noticed that the old substation compound by the Garden Centre at Chalfont St Peter has been substantially removed, which is great news.  We look forward to completion of that exercise when it may be that there will be something that MRA can do to maximise the benefit of this improvement to the riverside walk.   The "illegal" river crossing opposite Cherry Acre with its two restricting pipes has also been removed, which, for the river is more good news  ........ but is a bit of a nuisance for some walkers!
 
Once again - all hands for the 18th please!
 
*********************************************************************************

JUNE 2010

 

June News

 

A pleasant day on the Common at Chalfont St Peter Feast Day yesterday, soaking up the sun, talking about rivers and signing up a few more volunteers.   Many thanks to everyone who took a turn on our stand.
 
Last month, I was reporting flow along the whole stretch through the Chalfonts while noting the increasing amount of weed.   In the event, not many of us could make the work day but those who did carried out sterling work to clear a channel through the worst areas.  Now, a month on, flows are dramatically less and, in fact, zero through much of Chalfont St Peter.  The link between the villages is once more broken, with the stream from Chalfont St Giles now disappearing above Water Hall and, everywhere, the weed growth is prolific.  
 
In these circumstances, it is a little more difficult to be enthusiastic about a work party in July.  However, it could be that there are some significant blocks upstream of Chalfont St Giles and specific problems elsewhere that would respond to a local blitz.  I intend to check out the usual spots in the next couple of days and a decision can be made at our next "not a meeting" which, by the way, is now changed again to Thursday 1st July at 19.45 in the usual spot to the right of the bar in the Three Pigeons, Austenwood Lane.  I look forward to seeing some of you there.   I will relay the outcome in a further circular.
 
The application for Heritage Lottery Funding for lining of target areas has been sympathetically received but, understandably, the funders say that they cannot move forward until the proposals have approval from Environment Agency.  As most of you are well aware, understanding of the EA's position and requirements has been challenging us for many months and two expert members of the Chiltern Society/MRA are now drafting scoping proposals which we hope will enable clear discussion and finalisation of the purpose, detail and acceptance criteria for any further studies and surveys.   Meanwhile, flow measurements continue, with particular attention to the anticipated areas of loss.  (If you would like to join the "pool" of people undertaking this work, please let me know.  The measurements take about a day a month but obviously not everyone in the "pool" is needed every month).
 
One of the most frequent questions from people yesterday was around the whole issue of "Why does the Misbourne disappear downstream of Chalfont St Giles and reappear at Chalfont St Peter?"  A simplified answer which I usually give is as follows:
 
From the source at Mobwell, just north of Great Missenden to joining the River Colne at Denham, our river has three separate personalities.
 
1) From its source all the way to downstream of Amersham, it behaves as a fairly conventional chalk stream i.e. it is fed by groundwater in the chalk and it starts where this groundwater meets the surface. 
 
                                  
 
At this point will be a spring but the point will move up the valley when groundwater level is high and down the valley in the summer.  So, from the Black Horse pub at Mobwell all the way down to Great Missenden is likely to be flowing in spring and dry in autumn – a “winterbourne” – with fairly constant flow from Great Missenden to Amersham.
 
    
2) From a little way downstream of Amersham to just before Chalfont St Peter, is usually a “perched stream”, i.e. the groundwater is some distance below the river bed and any flow is merely that from the upper reaches carrying on as if in a gutter.  In this area, the underlying chalk is more porous and fractured than higher up the valley and so, through this section, except when ground water levels are exceptionally high, water seeps back into the ground and often disappears completely. 
 
  
 
3) From Chalfont St Peter to Chalfont Park it is once again a winterbourne. The start of spring fed flow moves seasonally between somewhere near Water Hall and the lake in Chalfont Park from which it flows reliably to the Colne.
 
inevitably, the detail is  more complex and some can be found on the website in the facts and figures section, which we are slowly expanding.  
 

 

 

May  2010

Spring has sprung; the River's Riz.  I wonder where the fishes iz.

Great news!  Not only has the Misbourne been flowing under the wooden bridge at Water Hall for the past few days but tonight there was an (optimistic) heron trying its luck by the adjacent pool.  

John Norris advises that this is the first time the river has made its way the full distance from Chalfont St Giles to the Chalfont St Peter springs area since 2005.  I hope its good health owes something to all our efforts.   Recently, flow measurements being taken by The Chiltern Society have given the clearest evidence I have seen of losses in the Restoration Project target areas of a) the mill leat and b) the London Road Depot - roughly in the same order as the total flow past Chalfont St Peter Community Centre last week.   There are some anomalies that continue to puzzle me - groundwater levels are lower this year than last and, indeed, this month than last; correlation between rainfall and flow is not obvious etc. yet the flow has strengthened significantly.  We very much appreciate the information passed on by John, Dave Anderson and other Chiltern Society observers - much of which is added to our website as often as I can.  Analysis and discussion continues.

I didn't do well last month, resulting in the cancellation of our pub chat and late "organisation" of the work day, which undoubtedly lost us some workers on the day.  Nevertheless, we managed some rewarding tidying up and general enhancements.  This month, we will have our "not a meeting" at the Three Pigeons at 7.45 p.m. on Tuesday 18th May and our Work Day, as planned, will be on Sunday 23rd May.  PLEASE let me know if you will be able to join us on 23rd - every little hour is much appreciated.

Both dates in June are a problem for us and the Work Day (27th) clashes with the Village Barbeque following Feast Day on the 26th.  We will discuss options on 18th May and let you know.

Thanks to those who have expressed interest in chain-sawing, brush-cutting, flow measuring, bat-counting, invertebrate surveying etc.  I am passing contacts on and/or replying as relevant.  Meanwhile, speaking of Feast Day, I would love to hear from you if you can help chat with interested parties for just half an hour or so..... please!

Looking forward to hearing from you

                     

 The normal view - e.g. July 2009                                                      May 2010                         

**************************************************************************************

April 2010                    So near and yet so far!

 

With excellent work by the team, including our 3 A-level geography students plus Dave and Ken, working through the woods downstream of Cherry Acre,  we had good flow to Priscilla Cottage by lunchtime on the 28th.  By teatime, we had coaxed the river all the way through Priscilla Cottage and Water Hall grounds.  A few days later, this trickle had become a significant flow extending 50 metres further into the field. A little extra help on the following Saturday brought us within sight of the wooden bridge and, indeed, the marshy ground at the head of the Chalfont St Peter springs beyond.  However, with the last few days of (welcome??) dry weather and, possibly some management of upstream sluices, things have eased back a  bit and the joining of the waters is as elusive as ever - perhaps emphasising the criticality of selected bed repairs.

Nevertheless, good flows continue through both villages and also Chalfont St Peter back stream, itself the focus of a massive effort by another group from our near record turnout last month.  It is particularly pleasing to see the river flowing past the area downstream of the Vic Wotton bridge, cleared and planted by Ray and team last year.

Despite equipment problems and some unhelpful weather, efforts have continued to establish a detailed record of flow and losses in the various reaches all the way through the valley downstream of Amersham Church.  

As previously advised, April work party will be on Saturday 24th.  At present, it doesn't seem like a major project day - more a gentle housekeeping exercise, in both villages and between, inevitably some rubbish removal, and a chance to enjoy the river.  If you can be with us, even if just for an hour or so, please let me know and I will put something together and advise details in due course.  There will NOT be a planning/chat this Thursday due to absence of most of the usual attendees.

Now folk, especially the silent majority, we really do need some volunteers to help with the following:

  •  manning (or ladying) our stand in conjunction with the Village Appraisal Group at the St Peter Fair on              Saturday 26th June - even a half hour stint would be welcomed

  •  ditto at Chalfont St Giles County Show on September 4th

  •  assisting with flow measuring - the more volunteers we have, the less often each will be called upon for this  exercise

  •  undertaking surveys of 

    • invertebrate life iN the river

    • bats

    • voles

  •    people willing to undertake training in the use of chain saw and/or brush cutter

  •    text and pictures of the river in days gone by

Looking forward to hearing from you, I think that's all our news for now.

 Best wishes

**************************************************************************************

 

06 March 2010                    Springs have Sprung 

 

It was lovely to see a young family playing in the river in the sunshine this morning - two little boys in their brightly coloured boots: there will be frog spawn before long. This is a rewarding time of year to be involved with Misbourne matters!

We had a very productive day on 21st February with groups scattered over some two miles of river from Misbourne Farm almost to Cherry Acre. A little additional work last week by the weekday troop completed the tidying and as much plugging of the leat as we can do and serious blockages on the reach past Mill Farm were cleared. All this and some gentle husbandry through St Giles left a good strong flow to the far end end of Lower Stone Meadow from where we set about encouraging it on its way to Chalfont St Peter. As of now, there is significant flow past Cherry Acre and, of course, spring flows resume by the tennis courts and behind the football club in Chalfont St Peter. We can hope that this good start to the season and our future efforts will achieve the link up of "the two rivers" which, despite huge advances on 2008, was narrowly missed last year.

Some of this can be seen in the various tables, charts and reports on the Facts & Figures page of our website.

There will be plenty to go at during our work party planned for Sunday 28th March including channel clearance immediately upstream of Pheasant Hill, from Cherry Acre through to Water Hall, and the backstream at Chalfont St Peter, the usual rubbish removal though the villages etc. I hope it is clear that an hour or two of assistance is very welcome - it is by no means expected that everyone will want, or be able, to spend the whole day.  If you can join us, please let me know and I will advise more precise details following our planning session at the Three Pigeons, Austenwood Lane, Chalfont St Peter on Thursday 18th March (19.45hrs). Do join us for a drink and a natter.

The Chiltern Society Misbourne Restoration Project Committee continues to press forward on several fronts as best we can: meeting local contractors, applying for funding grants, arranging flow measurements with our recently acquired equipment at specific locations, etc. A large amount of information has been received from the Environment Agency that will be very useful in compiling some of the analysis and reports required. The requirements range from flood risk assessments through to analysis of the possible effect of the proposed work on natural invertebrates and much more in between. Its a daunting exercise but, little by little, progress is being made towards ensuring a fully informed decision.

Meanwhile, we will keep on doing what we can to encourage and enhance the flow we have!

 

************************************************************************

 

 

4th February 2010             Misbourne River Action - February 2010

 

This just briefly to say that if you fancy a pint at the Three Pigeons, Austenwood Lane, Chalfont St Peter, on Tuesday 16th February from 19.45 hrs, we will be in the area to the right hand side of the bar. Apart from hearing Ray and Angela's travelogue and your tall stories about incredibly perilous journeys in the snow, we will no doubt be making plans for the Working Party scheduled for Sunday February 21st - likely to be focused on the leaky leat above Mill Lane.  

Unless something special turns up, to avoid bombarding everyone with too many e-mails, I will only send details of arrangements for the Working Party to those who let us know they intend to join us on the 21st. (I will also post them on the website). Do please let us know as having an idea of numbers really does help make arrangements.

During the past month, the Chiltern Society has been having fun with the flow gauging equipment loaned from the EA. We hope this will be useful in further developing our joint proposals for future improvements to flow in the valley. If anyone would like to join the "Gauging Team", please let me know: if we have plenty of people on the rota, it shouldn't be a burden. By the way, despite several invitations and much general support, we are still looking for some specific commitments towards our aspirations of wildlife surveys, collection of river anecdotes etc.

Best wishes

Bob 

 

**************************************************************************** 

 

21st January 2010                 MRA 2010: to boldly go ....................

 

With Christmas, New Year and Global Warming (aka snow) having been and gone, no doubt you are all wondering what is going on with your river.

We saw the close of last season with a very enjoyable dinner at the Three Pigeons. Fun and festivities were somewhat tinged with regret as we were also saying farewell to Naomi Hirst, who has moved North having been a huge part of our infancy. We wish her well and look forward to her promised visits South.

We kick off 2010 with advice that, although reasonable flow is maintained through Chalfont St Giles, there is at least one significant leak in the banks of the leat upstream of Mill Lane. A small group has committed to tackling this with a short work party this Sunday (24th) 13.00 hrs to 16.00 hrs. If you would like to join us, please contact me for further details: if we have excess capacity, we can continue the general leat clearance unfinished last November. 

Looking forward, we propose an initial schedule for 2010, very similar to 2009 - see Future Action.  All to be confirmed but definitely worth a note in your diaries now.

Last Saturday, we enjoyed talking with visitors, and supporters, including Cheryl Gillan, to the Chalfont St Giles Revitalisation Group's Project display regarding plans for new amenities by the river in Stone Meadow. Possibly at least partly due to Cheryl's interventions, we (Chiltern Society) have had some more positive contact with the Environment Agency recently. This has included provision of some existing archive information for use in preparation of our case for action and loan of basic flow metering equipment. If you would be interested in becoming involved in on-going observations of flow, bats, invertebrates, voles, or anything else, we would be delighted to hear from you. At our Steering Group meeting last night, we resolved to work towards achievement of all necessary permissions, completion of design, contract procurement and funding in place by end 2010 ready for bed and other repairs/restoration work in 2011. Meanwhile, I'm sure we will enjoy "messing about in the river" during the coming months, maximising what flow we can capture by good husbandry of our precious river.

We look forward to seeing you/ hearing from you and your continued support.

***************************************************************************

 

9th November 2009                 MRA Work and Play

 

For our last working party of 2009, next Sunday 15th November, we decided to concentrate on the leat upstream of Mill lane, Chalfont St Giles.   From the experience of the last year, it appears that the condition of this section has a direct effect on flows through Chalfont St Giles and beyond.  We hope that some work now, when water levels are down, will give us a good start next year.  There will be a bit to do to organise for the day, not least wrt parking, and we need to set targets to suit resources available.  It could even be that we can tackle something else - e.g. tree management in Chalfont St Peter if enough people are available.  So, please let me know asap if you will be able to join us for all (or part) of the day.

 

For our seasonal get-together, we have booked a meal at The Three Pigeons on Thursday December 10th at 7.30 pm.  The attractive menu has several choices for each course and comes at just £25 per person for three courses and coffee.  There is limited space so first come, first served - RSVP to me asap.   

 

By the way, if you would like to be added to the list of those supporters who wish to share their contact information - e.g. for arranging weekday activities - drop me a line and I will be happy to reissue it.

 

****************************************************************************

 

 1st November 2009                 Into Year 2 but still uphill

 

At last month's work parties, some of us had a lovely muddy time at Chalfont St Giles clearing a channel under the Pheasant Hill Bridge.  This activity involved lost drain-pipes, marooned footballs, an initially beautifully clean dog (whose owner had assumed they were out for a peaceful Sunday walk until Naomi introduced them to MRA), yards of rope and a new device best described as a "pick-rake".   After this and Brian & Di's intensive clearing and fish rescue downstream of Mill Farm, there was plenty of water to show off Gill & Rose's handiwork past the church - a duck's delight.  (Join us on Tuesday for more tall stories)

Gill & Rose woz 'ere                                             Ducks vote for MRA

            

 

However, life is full of disappointments!   Having flowed through Chalfont St Giles since we coaxed in the first trickle of the recharge last February, the river disappeared last week.  Maybe the rains promised for this week will help get us off to a good start next season.

Less transient is the work undertaken by the C St P contingent where, I hope, these "before and after" photos of the area by the Vic Wotton bridge give an impression of the improvements that have been made.

 With a weedy fence                           Without a weedy fence

 

                    

 

All through the year, it has been great to receive so much support from everyone including, particularly, countless passers-by to these and similar projects.  It was therefore very encouraging that the Environment Agency opened our recent meeting with a statement confirming a policy aimed at preserving/enhancing the environment directly for the benefit of the people within it.   Nevertheless, their letter received yesterday, while providing some hopeful comments, indicates there is still an awfully long way to go before we can reach agreement on even an affordable study period!  


Meanwhile, we soldier on: -

a)  This Tuesday 3rd November = we look forward to seeing regulars and not so regulars for a drink and a natter (on all the above and the below) in the reserved bar area of the Three Pigeons Pub, Austenwood Lane, Chalfont St Peter.  (NOTE: NOT the Village Hall, this time)

 b) Thursday 5th November = MRA meets the Chalfont St Peter Scouts

c) Wednesday 11th November = 2nd Steering Group Meeting of the Chiltern Society River Misbourne Project

d) Sunday 15th November = last working party of 2009 - details to follow next week but likely to include winter preparations to the Mill Leat at Chalfont St Giles.  

e) Thursday 10th December = MRA Christmas gathering - details to follow.

See you somewhere along the line I hope; bye for no

 

**************************************************************************

 

12th October 2009            MRA:  The Future - starting this Saturday.

 

I held off sending details of this coming Saturday's working party so that I could let you know how we got on at our meeting with the Environment Agency today at Hatfield.

On balance and all in all, I think the answer is "pretty well".  There was plenty of energy and apparent goodwill around the table and a shared vision that "good" means  regular flow along the river through our communities.  We developed some clarity around the scope of the study that is needed before a decision can be made as to whether the EA will sanction the local bed repairs ("lining") which the Chiltern Society propose.  Crucially, there was an agreement to pool data and information and not to revisit everything that had been determined previously.    There was also commitment to timescales of a) EA to reduce, refine and reissue their requirements within 3 weeks (i.e. by the end of the month), b) for Chiltern Society to submit study proposals during November (subject to availability of funds) and c) target completion of  the study by March 2010.  Perhaps  understandably, the EA could not commit to saying that the end of the study would automatically lead to agreement to the proposals: that's the point of the study!

 

 Once again, it was apparent how important you are!  The fact that so many of you have registered your support and willingness (latent in many cases!) to help is a powerful negotiating point and not lost on our MP.     Furthermore, I'm not alone in suggesting that the continued stream we have nurtured this year through Chalfont St Giles to the fields

 

 

 will be gently easing silt into the cracks and generally sealing the bed for next season.  If  we receive similar recharge to last year between now and next Spring,  we will be effectively starting off 3 months ahead of where we were this year.  

However, back to reality!  So far I have just 12 confirmed players for this Saturday.  No doubt some more will be there on the day but it really does help plan, decide what to tackle, what tools to mobilise , how many biscuits to buy, if you drop me a line beforehand.  Remember there is no need to sign away your whole day - an hour or so is always much appreciated.   Tasks for the day will include:

 

Chalfont St Peter: rendezvous point at Community Centre from 09.30 - "gentle jobs" as

  • Remove worst of the straw left behind by maintenance gangs;

  • Minor work to trees working from ground level only - Greyhound towards Scout Hut

  • Backstream clearance under drainpipe

  • Clear cans, bottles etc exposed by maintenance clearance Scout Hut to Tennis Court

  • Weeding by VW bridge on-going

 

Chalfont St Giles: rendezvous point by Pond from 09.30  -  good Wellingtons definitely required for;

  • Make channel through silt and compacted grit under Pheasant Hill Bridge.  Does anyone have some thin rope - 30m or more?  Does anyone have any drain rods?  Does anyone have a short range two-way radio?  

  • Quick, routine easing of the channel from Pond to Field fence

  • Clearance of grass and weed alongside field fence

  • Removal of dead blanket weed in sheepfield if it appears to be impeding the little trickle which is bravely pushing onward.

 

AND, depending on numbers and our earlier contact with the farmer, we would also like to do some work at Bottom House Farm.

 

In November, I propose we have our workday on Sunday 15th (probably focused on the leat at Mill Lane) and I will book The Jolly Farmer Room at The Village Hall pub from 8.00 pm on Tuesday 3rd November for our usual beer and chat session.

 

Probably none of us want a working party in December but it might be nice to have a Christmas Drink on say Thursday December 10th evening.

 

That's all folks,

 

****************************************************************************

 

5th October 2009                       MRA - News & 08 +17 October

 

Another month gone by and, as usual, some ups and downs in the river's affairs, 

 

We were delighted with the achievements of last month's working party.  Having persevered for several years to secure the necessary approvals, Sandy was very happy to witness the removal of the redundant fence by the Ellwood House site.  This has made a significant difference to the area around and downstream of  the Vic Wotton bridge, building on the continuing efforts of Ray, Dave and co. We were also really pleased to welcome new members Karen and Keith who double-handedly neatly and rapidly despatched fallen trees from the backstream.      With further heaps of fools watercress and debris removed from upstream, the long suffering scout's trailer worked hard that day and the six loads over the weighbridge at the tip totalled over 1500 kg.            

 

           

                        Fence                                          No fence!                      Scouts trailer - much appreciated

 Again the turnout at Chalfont St Giles was rather less but nevertheless important in optimising the available flow. .  It is good to see that the stream is continuing so well for the time of year -  all the way into the field beyond the village.

 It is very disappointing to note that three months after The Chiltern Society's encouraging meeting with MP Cheyl Gillan and senior officers of the EA,  we are still awaiting detailed specification to enable commencement of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the lining trials at London Road Depot and upstream of Chalfont Mill.  There is another meeting on 12 October after which we really do hope to be able to start moving forward.  

 

On the positive side , we have had good and supportive contacts with Veolia (previously Three Valleys Water), who own land by the Chalfont Mill Leat.  We also had a very productive site visit to the Thames Water Amersham Balancing Tanks site at the London Road Depot.   This was my first sight of this stretch of river that is targeted for lining and so very helpful in appreciating the issues of access, temporary diversion etc.   It was also good to see this facility in good order and its control much improved since the issues that arose some years back 

 

EA contractors have strimmed their way through CStP in preparation for winter storms.   Opinions differ within both the EA itself and MRA regarding their method and the result from an environmental standpoint  but it certainly removes an on-going chore from our next working day - Saturday 17th October.   We have quite a list of jobs in mind - ranging from possible excursion to Bottom House Farm to clear the clogged watercourse; attempting to clear silt and grit from under Pheasant Hill bridge, tree maintenance at CStP, and a variety of specific minor tasks.  I have booked the Jolly Farmer Room at the Village Hall pub on Goldhill Common for this coming Thursday 8th October from 8.00 pm when we can enjoy a drink while we plan some detail around these jobs, maybe welcome some new faces and  review progress with the lining project.

 

We continue to receive a steady trickle of new contacts signing up (now approx. 130) and many supportive comments.  Yesterday several of us attended the Chiltern Society's River & Wetlands Group's AGM.  I was impressed and humbled by the range and professionalism of activities undertaken by peer groups such as The Ver Valley Association, Impress The Chess, Revive The Wye and others.  I am still struggling to find time to really get to grips with our website.  Is there anyone with time and expertise to take this to another level?  Would someone like to develop a "nature watch" element to our activities?  Would someone like to take on creating and managing a "telephone tree" for the several members we are loosing because I only have time for communication by e-mail? Any other bright ideas?

 

So, hoping to see you on 8th and/or 17th - please let me know if you expect to be able to help on the 17th,

 

Best wishes and bye for now,

 

 ********************************************************************************

 

8th September 2009                 MRA - Sunday 13th and weeds

 

We had a good afternoon on Saturday at the Chalfont St Giles Fair, receiving a general murmur of support and a number of welcome new contacts/potential volunteers.

 

Last Thursday, the few of us who met at The Village Hall agreed that there were plenty of tasks for the working parties this Sunday but that we would leave deciding what to tackle until we had a better idea of numbers and Dave had completed a recce of the various ideas.  As always, it would help a great deal with planning the day, organising tools etc., if you could let me know if you expect to join us.

 

Come what may, volunteers congregating at the Chalfont St Peter Community Centre will be welcome from 09.30 and the first focus will be removal of the redundant fence near the Greyhound and continuation of the general "civilisation"of that area.  Others have already said they will continue with removal of the worst of the overgrowth past the Council Offices and there are a couple of small jobs planned for the backstream.

 

The Chalfont St Giles cohort will meet by the duckpond at 10.00.  There is a thought that we should tackle the flooding at Bottom House Farm and/or clearance of overgrowth and debris downstream of the ford to encourage the remains of this year's flow into the village.  On the other hand, if numbers are really limited, maybe just some local tidying and further easing of the channel downstream.

 

Rivers in England are affected by a number of invasive plants.  One of the most severe is Himalayan Balsam which has been an issue on the River Chess but, as far as I am aware, not on our stretch of the Misbourne.  We have however begun to see an increase in its cousin Orange Balsam .  If this week's walks identify substantial outbreaks of one or the other, removal will be added to our job's list.   More likely the orange balsam is still at the "here and there" stage and control - (i.e at least removal of the flowers before they can "pop" and seed) - as part of a gentle walk is probably appropriate.   At this time of year the river and the small tributaries are overwhelmed by Fools Watercress with its celery like stalks and white flowers, which is a native perennial.  While providing a marvellous protective habitat for all sorts of snails, small amphibians etc., it does hold the water back and, in extremes causes flooding such as of the fields at  Bottom House Farm currently.  Like it or loathe it, there is no way we will ever eliminate it nor should we wish to.  However, clearing a narrow channel through it appears beneficial and encourages the river to flow more quickly exposing the gravel bed.  Within a few months it will die back, to reappear next year, initially  as deceptively small and attractive tiny green leaves.

 

For the working parties, as usual, we can provide gloves, hi-vis, rubbish bags and a selection of tools but if you would prefer to bring your own, the most useful include strong rakes.  People are welcome for as long or as little as they wish.   We generally stop around 1.00, when some go home and some break for pub lunch and resume after about an hour and a bit, sometimes joined by others coming for afternoon only.  If you arrive during the day and can't see anyone, call my mobile 0781 651 4868.

 

bye for now

 

 ********************************************************************************

 

29 August 2009               MRA - August/September

 

Following the crucial meeting with MP Cheryll Gillan and senior officers of the Environment Agency a few weeks ago, Roger has been making good progress with fleshing out the detail of the plans to address "the leaky bits", as one of our friends calls them.  These are the sections singled out for lining trials upstream of Chalfont Mill and near the old sewage works.  A Steering Group is being set up under the Chairmanship of John Taylor, Chairman of the Chiltern Society.  Roger has met for more detailed discussion with potential contractors and various thoughts are emerging with regard to fund raising and project management.  Currently, we are still eagerly waiting the EA's specification for the Environmental Study, which we are impatient to get underway.

 Meanwhile, we continue to receive a strong message of support for our aims and a trickle of new volunteers.

 

 Quite a number of you have asked to be on the "shared list" of names and contact details.  I will send it separately to those that have, and leave you to contact each other with notices regarding relevant activities.   Please use the "shared list" with consideration as, once issued, I have no way of recalling it and we obviously don't want MRA to become a nuisance!  For the general mailing list I will continue to use "bcc" and if you wish to be relieved of my ramblings at any time, just drop me a line

 

Just a few responded enthusiastically with regard to a social event - e.g. barn dance - so, unless someone wants to champion something different, we might just think about a small dinner or lunch later in the year.

 

We will have a small stall at Chalfont St Giles Show, next Saturday 5th September.  If you are attending, I do look forward to saying "hello" but it would be even better if you could possibly spend a little while with us talking to the punters and hearing their views.  So far, I have very few helpers so if you think you can join us, please let me know.  Hopefully, there will still be some flow in the river, which, compared with the recent past is good for this time of year and, just maybe owes something to our first year's efforts.  

 

We have booked The Jolly farmer Room at The Village Hall pub on Goldhill Common for this coming Thursday 3rd September from 8.00 p.m. and look forward to seeing anyone who would like to join us.  As always, this is  a "not a meeting"  but an informal drink and chat about where we are, what's happening, what we would like to happen, and an opportunity to say hello to new faces and catch up with old ones. No need for prior notice, just turn up if you feel like it.

 

Our next Working Day is Sunday 13th September.  The plans for the day will as usual evolve to suit the numbers of volunteers stepping forward and the ideas/priorities decided on Thursday.  One spot we will be working is between the Vic Wotton bridge and the Greyhound.  Sandy Warren of the Village Environmental Appraisal Group has, after much effort, succeeded in obtaining all the permissions for us to remove the redundant chain-link fence next to the area where Ray and his team have started.  Thanks to Gary at The Greyhound for his help with this.  No doubt the Chalfont St Giles team will be wishing to press on downstream and I will check out whether we need to go back to Mill Farm again.  Anyway, if you think you will be joining us on the 13th, please let me know.

 

Recently we heard of someone who used to regularly canoe between Chalfont St Giles and St Peter and I also heard of a hatmakers (or was it baskets?) at Amersham who use to send their produce to London by starting off with it in a small barge down the Misbourne to the Colne and thence the canal at Denham.  If anyone has similar anecdotes, better still pictures, it would be great to share them.

 

That's all for now.

 

********************************************************************************

 

5th August 2009                     Your MRA needs you

 

 

t was again good to meet with a few friends tonight (6 in total + 7 sent apologies) but, inevitably, part of the discussion revolved around how to engage the silent majority!  

 

Amongst other things it was suggested that people might like to have the ability to e-mail and/or phone each other  and we started a base list.  If you are happy to have your name, e-mail and/or phone number on a list which I will distribute as an Excel file to everyone who wants to be on it, please let me know and include your phone number as, in many cases, I only have the e-mail address.  I know that there are already a couple of sub-lists in existence covering the CStP weekday team etc and maybe this is a way to bring together some more groupings who find their availability suits better than the "organised" work parties.  

 

While responding to the above, if not already done so, you could also let me know a)what you think about the idea of a social event b) if you expect to join the teams this weekend c) what would make MRA tick for you.

 

Anyway, it was good to hear Roger talking positively about possible sources of funding for addressing "the leaky bits" as Sandy calls them.

 

At present, numbers look very limited for this Saturday but Dave, Naomi and Di plus all comers - (only 4 of you so far) will kick off on Saturday 0930 by CSt P Community Centre and 1000 by CStG pond with a view to a) continuing the nettle clearance around the Vic Wotton bridge plus any other tidying b) continuing the gentle easing and forming a walking route downstream of CStG  towards the field c) if sufficient resource, some fairly rough re-clearing of the channel downstream from Mill Lane ford.  

 

As always, if you would really prefer NOT to be on this circulation list, do let me know but, on the other hand, if you like to stay with us it would be good to know you are still there! .... and thanks to all those who have been in touch from time to time.  Your support is much valued.

 

I promise - no more mails for a couple of weeks at least!

 

 ********************************************************************************

 

11 July 2009    

             

We (a few) had a good chat at Village Hall on Thursday and it was good to know there is still plenty of enthusiasm for our efforts and to hear of the general murmur of support from visitors to the stand at Feast of St Peter.  We must make sure we have a presence at the St Giles show on 5th September as well.

 

Apart from continuing with general tidying and easing and also supporting the Chiltern Society drive towards earliest possible treatment of leaking sections, we thought that key areas for our attention in the next few months would be:

 
  • Around and downstream of the Vic Wooton Bridge, particularly working with the Village EA group to remove the obsolete fence asap
  • Work with C St P Village council and Haywardens towards removal/resiting of the old compound asap
  • Initiate an accurate and up to date bed level survey
  • General cleaning between C St P precinct and Chiltern Hill
  • Work with residents backing onto the river from Woodside Close through to the A413 and across the roundabout to ensure flow is nor restricted
  • Continue to ensure the Chalfont St Giles Mill Leat and flow through the stretch downstream of the ford is optimised

For tomorrow:

  • Chalfont St Peter team to convene 10.00 a.m at Community Centre – probably one cohort to then despatch to Chiltern Hill
  • Chalfont St Giles team (both of you at present!!) to convene 10.00 a.m. by Stone Bridge – detail as my separate note to Karoline.

Further discussion with Roger Lerry of Chiltern Society this morning: he continues to be very optimistic that we have a significant movement forward towards the planned bed improvements.  

 
Best wishes
 ********************************************************************************

04 July 2009    

 
Just back from holiday and still far from caught up with myself so apologies for late note.
 
While flow in Chalfont St Peter has ceased, it is really good to see it continuing through Chalfont St Giles and well into the fields beyond.  Clearly this is “perched flow” fed from the upper reaches and, I like to think, has been helped by our work on the Mill Leat and downstream to and through the village.
 
Great news then that, just this week, Roger Lerry received strong support from Cheryl Gillan, our MP, in a meeting at the Houses of Parliament to present the Chiltern Society proposals.  I understand that a key factor in the success of these discussions was the depth of local support and existence of a community group – aka MRA!
 
Special mention to Ray Randle and the “weekday” team for their sterling effort a couple of weeks back and to Andrew Wilson and supporters for providing our presence at Chalfont St Peter Feast Day – see photo attached with John Norris, Andrew Wilson & display
 
In my diary it says 12th July – MRA Work Party?  What about yours?  Given the depth of overgrowth and lack of water at Chalfont St Peter, the obvious tasks are a) a quick litter pick and debris removal upstream of the Greyhound and b) a first hit at the stretch downstream of the shopping centre.  At Chalfont Gilles, I suggest a refresh past the farm downstream of Mill Lane, any tidying through the village and perhaps some channel clearance downstream of the Church Bridge.   Please let me know asap if you expect to join us for any of the above – it is a busy time of year and if no-one is available, we might cancel this time.  (I’ll send another note on Friday evening).      
 
Finally, I look forward to catching up with some of “the regulars” and maybe meeting some new hands in The Jolly Farmer Room at the Village Hall from 08.00 this Thursday.
 
Best wishes

********************************************************************************
31 May 2009

 

1.       The walk the other day with Allen Beachey of the Chiltern Conservation Board was interesting and blessed with good weather.  It was good to meet with people who are working with similar enthusiasm to our own on the Chess and Bulbourne, to name but two. Highlights included a grey wagtail perched in dappled sunlight on a small log in some fast flowing water. 

2.       I was delighted to return home that evening to receive a copy of the following which some of you may already have seen on the Chalfont St Gilles blog:

 “10  May   As a flyfisher and conservationist I have been noting the fish now resident in the stretch of water between the pond and the churchyard bridge.

Rainbow Trout all witnessed and shown to schoolchildren and their parents.
12'' fish badly infested with parasites.
10'' fish and 8'' fish both in good condition.
A small shoal of 1 year old fry resident by the churchyard bridge.
The 3 large rainbows could be escapees from Shardeloes.

30 April   Well done to those volunteers who have worked so hard to clean up the Misbourne. 
 
I stopped on the foot path bridge (behind the church yard) this morning and looked in the river, hoping to see some signs of wild life in the water. I could not believe it, when I spotted a 30cm plus fish, almost motionless, swimming against the current. I am not an expert on fish, but I have referred to the internet and I think it was a river trout.
 
I am sure that all of those involved in the clean up will be pleased to hear this great news.”

 

3.      As you know, our next organised day is next Sunday 7th June.  

 

Chalfont St Peter team morning session will meet 09.30 by Community Centre with the aims of  a) easing a clear channel through the weedgrowth from tennis courts through to Greyhound, including backstream b) clearing short sections of bank and river to create attractive glimpses of the river c) specific clearing by Community Centre etc.

Chalfont St Giles team will meet 10.00 in usual spot by Stone Bridge with general plan to work downstream as required.

Chalfont St Peter afternoon session will meet 2.00 by Community Centre and carry on where the morning left off!

 

4.      Many people have asked for dates in advance so please note the following:

·        Sunday 12 July

·        Saturday 08 August

·        Sunday 13 September

·        Saturday 17 October

 

5.      Everyone who responded to my “thoughts for the future” musings in the last note supported the idea of more frequent events in order to keep making steady progress and to give more chance of a date that works for them on whatever cycle they wish.  That’s great, but what I need now is for someone/several people to grab a date not listed above and let me know they would like to have an event then. We would publish in the usual way, provide tools, kit etc but Cheryll and I would probably not be there.  

 

6.      Ray Randle has an occasional mid-week team and if that suits you, please let me know and I will pass on details.

 

7.      27th June is Chalfont St Peter Feast Day with all sorts of things happening on Goldhill Common.  Cheryll and I will be on holiday but the plan is to have a small Misbourne River Action stand – (e.g. a small gazebo + table + flyers + some photos).  Please let me know if you could help with a little time on the day – shall we say 40minute stints? – explaining MRA and encouraging new supporters.

 

8.      I’m delighted to advise that our new recruits this month includes The Greyhound pub and we look forward to working with them to try and maintain one of the most difficult yet public stretches of the river to the benefit of all.

 

Enough for now – hope to see you next Sunday.