January 17 2012

 

New Year Greetings to you! 

 

As we walk beside the dry river bed and contemplate today's "news" regarding HS2, it is cheering to remember back to our very pleasant and jolly annual dinner at The Ivy House in December.  Inevitably, conversation then, and at the "not a meeting" earlier that month, touched from time to time on hopes and expectations for 2012.  Will the dry run continue or will the Olympics and the Jubilee suffer from the wettest summer ever? Will the Mott MacDonald report to Veolia initiate the second phase of the Alleviation of Low Flow Programme?  Will there be a radical reduction in abstraction at Amersham and Chalfont St Giles?

 

The New Year observations showed that the groundwater levels had continued to fall along the valley.  Normally, we could expect a rise to begin in November and continue throughout the spring.    To be fair, "the end" has already moved 100 metres or so downstream from its worst position in December and, hopefully, maybe this year, maybe next, we will be able to coax flow back into The Chalfont villages again.   So, even in the current absence of water, we should keep going, maximising the chances of it getting through, optimising the benefit when it does, and maintaining the channel so it isn't a total eyesore when it doesn't.   Accordingly,  the proposed schedule of 2012 work parties is now published on the website.   Particularly if for some time you've been meaning to join us on one of our mornings, perhaps you'd like to commit to one or two (or more) in the year and  mark them on your calendar now.

 

The first is on Sunday 26th February and will probably concentrate on completing the clearance of the thick overgrowth immediately above and below Chalfont St Giles village and general clearance of litter and light branches.   Please let me know if you will be able to join us: more detailed arrangements will follow nearer the time.

 

Although they tend to be sparsely attended, we are also setting out with the same format of "not a meetings" - our informal chats over a pint or two, when we "plan" (roughly) for the next work party and catch-up on the latest gossip about the river ............ and, usually much other stuff as well.  Everyone welcome and don't worry that you might get roped into joining a committee - we don't have one!   Our first for the year will be at 19.45 hrs on Thursday 2nd February at The Village Hall.

 

 November 26 2011

 

The degree of the current near-drought in our area was brought home to me on Thursday at an excellent talk by Allen Beechey of The Chiltern Conservation Board to The River Chess Association.  While lamenting our wanton waste of precious water - Bucks has the highest per capita water consumption in Europe! - Allen sympathetically described the real issues faced by the authorities - EA, Veolia, Government - in trying to balance increasing populations, decreasing resources, money and the environment.  Clearly, substantial changes in our habits, a further significant reduction in abstraction, and the good work of MRA (or The River Chess Association) cannot possibly reverse the consequences of this extended period of low rainfall by themselves, although they are all beneficial and worthwhile targets.

 

Regular readers of John Norris's statistics presented monthly in the "Dipping Records" and "The Misbourne Strikes Back" files on the MRA website "Facts & Figures" pages will already know that annual cumulative rainfall is amongst the lowest on record and that groundwater levels are exceptionally low.  For instance, Bottom House Farm now some 10 metres below bed level compared with 4 metres in November 2008.  A sobering long term observation is that it appears that the annual recharge period - i.e. when groundwater levels have an upward as opposed to a downward trend - is becoming shorter.

 

So, let us hope for a wet winter and soon! - (but not, perhaps, as wet as that of 2000/2001 which many will recall brought extensive flooding to the area.)  Meanwhile, we  look forward to discussing with Veolia and others the consultants' report due for draft issue in February on the recent reduced abstraction and/or augmentation of flow trials.

 

A rather small but nevertheless cheerful and productive work party last week made good progress with seasonal clearance at Bottom House Farm and through Chalfont St Giles village area.  We will shortly be working with EA on removal of an old weir behind Deep Mill Diner at Great Missenden - date tba: strong arms needed please.

 

Anyway, the main point of this circular is to confirm that, owing to popular request, we will be having an MRA Annual Dinner and it will be on Wednesday December 14th,  Venue is to be confirmed depending on final numbers.  Typical menus in the area at likely places are up to about £17 for two courses, £20 for 3.  Please let me know by next Thursday if you would like to join us for what has always been a very enjoyable, friendly and fun evening.

 

November 2 2011

 

Most of you will be all too aware that our river is dry, very dry, in a way that we had perhaps unrealistically thought we would not see again.  While dismayed by the lack of flow anywhere between Quarrendon Mill and Chalfont Park, we are not alone: there has been no flow at Great Missenden all year and the River Chess is largely dry.  I will update the website with the 1st November bore-hole dip readings in a few days but all that will be seen is a continuation through September and October of the fall in groundwater level which is now, incredibly, over 9m below river bed level for a substantial length between Chalfont St Giles and Amersham.  This is by far the lowest year since MRA began and is similar to the exceptional years 1992, 1998 and 2007.    Normally, November sees the beginning of the annual turn and we can only hope that we do see a return, if brief, of flows in the Spring.

 

So, are we downhearted?  Well, yes, a bit.  The optimism born of over two good years progress has proved unfounded and clearly, although obviously a positive influence, we can't make all the difference on our own.  The Chiltern Society's proposals to line two particular sections will address leakage though those sections only and, as Roger Lerry always says, should dramatically improve the rate of recovery after a drought, but won't prevent one!  The recent trails by Veolia Water working in conjunction with the Environment Agency provide significant encouragement in that a) we did have flow from Amersham to Water Hall when we otherwise would not and b) they show a real engagement with the second phase of the Alleviation of Low Flows (ALF) scheme.  We should not underestimate the problems faced by the authorities in juggling budgets, limited water supplies, environmental issues etc.  However, my particular concern is that the report on these trials is not published until next Spring.  Any agreed recommendations such as further reductions in Misbourne Valley abstraction and transfer of more water to our taps from the Colne Valley have then to be put to OffWat and, at best, would be included in the Asset Management Plans for the period 2015 - 2020.  I have therefore begun a personal lobbying campaign in an attempt to have the augmentation trials continued on a voluntary basis in the interim!  

 

Meanwhile, we had a super work party last month when we were able to take advantage of the easy access and ensure there was a clear stream bed between the vegetation for the whole length of the leat from Misbourne Farm to Mill Lane.  Well done all those who took part - age range approx. 6 and a half to 65 and including a very welcome number of new faces.

 

As ever, there are many important tasks looking for a home: MRA website?  Talking to  schools - (I thoroughly enjoyed my annual visit to Chalfont St Giles Junior last month and am really impressed by the way they use the river as a learning resource); flow measurements;  preparing outline pre-tender work plans , method statement, drafting contract documents for the Lining Project; providing memories, tales and/or photos of the river in days gone by and this one-man band would love to hear from you.

 

Our next Work Day is Sunday 20th November.  There is still plenty to do to ensure we optimise what flows we receive and to manage the river corridor: many hands will make light work and more fun - usual message ".....start 09.30 or to suit you, stay as long as you like: every little helps ...."  Please let me know if you expect to be able to join us and any preference for where, and I will put together a work schedule and send further details a couple of days before.  

 

I have to move the date of our "Not a Meeting" - i.e. a generally river related chat and opportunity to plan - from next week to the following Tuesday 15th November  - at The Village Hall from 7.45 p.m.

For the last two years, we have thoroughly enjoyed an MRA Christmas Dinner at a local pub/restaraunt.  I think we need to decide on 15th if we will try something similar this year so, please let me know before 15th if this is something you would support and any suggestions you may have for venue, date etc.

 

OCTOBER 5 2011

 Many thanks for contacting me about the proposed work party this Saturday.  Hopefully, there will be a few more by the weekend and I have copied this to a few extras from the regular squad in case you were about to!

 Well! - what to say?  The Veolia trial of injecting 2 Mld at Amersham ended on Monday 26 September with the end of the flow at approx Cherry Acre - 300 m upstream of Water Hall.  8 days later the river is dry from near The Ivy House - well upstream of Chalfont St Giles and, most devastatingly, "worse" than at any time since we started in 2008.  Quite obviously, the trial was just hiding this year's underlying very strong seasonal effect.  Other Chiltern chalk streams are suffering similarly.  So, do we give up and accept that our frustrating river will do its own thing and we are wasting our time?

The general view from those who I've spoken to this week is "Not at all!"  Our practical action is undoubtedly beneficial in extending and enhancing flows when we have them.  Our commitment in the field adds huge weight to our voice behind the scenes with The Chiltern Society, The Environment Agency, Chiltern Conservation Board, our MP and many others who can help our long term aims for sustainable improvement.  More than that, we quite enjoy ourselves and have met some nice people!

 

So the suggestion is that this Saturday, we take the opportunity to begin to ensure that the watercourse is in good condition to welcome the eventual return of flow.  Our focus will be The Mill Leat, north of Chalfont St Giles between Misbourne Farm and Mill Lane.  It is quite overgrown with giant willowherb (?) which pulls up fairly easily and we should be able to establish a central clear zone quite quickly so that returning autumn flows (if any!) can make good progress.

 

As usual, we will provide forks, rakes, saws, loppers, HI-vis vests, gloves, rubbish bags.  You are unlikely to get wet (depends on weather) but I would still recommend wellingtons, long tough trousers, long sleeves.  If you have a sickle, brushook, heavy duty strimmer, pair of seccateurs, they will be useful but I think it will be largely pulling.  Pleaee bring you own drinking water and elevenses.  

 We will start from 09.30.....or when you get there..... and probably finish around 1.00 p.m.  Park in the little road beside Misbourne Farm, i.e. the access road to the "Gorilla" compound,  off the A413 between Mill Lane and Bottom House Farm Lane.  Careful to park out of the way of the big trucks.  If you arrive after we start, cross the narrow wooden bridge and follow the path beside the river into the field and you should spot some yellow Hi-vis, or call my mobile.   

 Jill and Jo, I am happy to welcome children under your control and responsibility and they might enjoy exploring for a while and/or piling up stuff.  Under 7's probably unlikely to be able to do much and there are a few risks such as bits of barbed wire, branbles and rabbit holes.  

 

SEPTEMBER 24 2011

 

September Scribblings

We will have to wait for official results of the Veolia augmentation trials but the lack of obvious effect at Chalfont St Peter has been disappointing to the optimists among us.   Writing last month, I noted that "the end" was moving past Water Hall  towards CStP but it never got much further than the wooden bridge and has oscillated around there ever since.  Flow within CSG has continued to appear to be more robust than before the trials started.  One thing I would like Veolia to try while experimenting is splitting the augmentation between CStG pumping station - just upstream of Mill Lane - and at Amersham, rather than all at the latter.  

The situation on the surface is actually very similar to last year.  To some degree I blame myself that flow does not extend further downstream as many people have remarked how overgrown is the section below CStG and through the fields and, if we had held our September work party (with a good attendance), who knows?  A further complication has been the temporary blocking of the flow just above Water Hall by cows which trampled down the farmer's fence and river banks on their way to the apples in one of our supporter's garden!   Below ground, despite August's rains (179% of the long term average), groundwater levels are still at their lowest since 2006/7 with the water table at Bottom House Farm over 9m below the bed - perched flow indeed!

 

It was good to see a number of you at our stand at Chalfont St Giles show.  As usual, we received many general expressions of support and gratitude for all your hard work.  We were also delighted to sign up several new volunteers.

 

The CS committee continues to work hard on researches in preparation of a Heritage Lottery Fund application for the proposed lining.  Recognising that the Environment Agency have said they require a significant observation period after completion of the first section before endorsing another, it appears, disappointingly, that the application may have to target the London Road Dump section only.  If anyone would be able to help or advise with any of the following, or suggest someone, we'd love to hear from you: preparing outline pre-tender work plans and method statements; drafting contract documents; providing memories, tales and/or photos of the river in days gone by.

 

The invertebrate monitoring team have been out again and I will update their page on the website shortly. If anyone has any problems with, or suggestions for, the website, I'd welcome comments.

 

Our next Work Day is Saturday 8th October.  There is plenty to do and many hands will make light work and more fun - usual message ".....start 09.30 or to suit you, stay as long as you like: every little helps ...."  Please let me know if you expect to be able to join us and any preference for where, and I will put together a work schedule and send further details a couple of days before.  

 

Next Thursday 29th, we have a "Not a Meeting" - i.e. a generally river related chat and opportunity to plan for the 8th over a drink - at The Village Hall from 7.45 p.m.

 

SEPTEMBER 01 2011

 

"Just Add Water" - 4th September Work Party Cancelled - see you at CStG Show 

 

The trials by Veolia adding 2Mld to the river at Amersham commenced on Tuesday morning.  At that time, the natural seasonal regression of the river had caused it to dry back above Water Hall (i.e. more severely than last year, reflecting the dry weather last winter and hence lower groundwater levels this year).  This evening (Wednesday) a small but steady flow has returned past the wooden bridge opposite The Paddock and is headed towards Chalfont St Peter.  I understand that flows have also picked up significantly at Chalfont St Giles.  These trials are due to continue through much of September, so we can hope that we will see them show that constant flow through the valley is achievable with, frankly, not a lot of trouble.

 

To date, take up for working on Sunday has been slow with a number of people otherwise engaged this month.   Bearing in mind that several of the regulars will be on MRA duty at the Show on Saturday, also wishing not to disturb the natural course of the trials, and, in any case, thinking that this is a fairly disheartening time of year to be trying to clear the overgrowth, when nature will help us over the next couple of months, it seems sensible to cancel an organised event on Sunday.  If you were looking forward to the exercise, perhaps a little tidying along your favourite stretch would provide a rewarding hour.

 

If possible, please note now the work parties scheduled for Saturday 8th October and 20th November when we should be able to put things in good order for the winter and hence Spring 12.  At that time, we will be specially tackling the leat above Mill Lane and one or two other difficult areas .................. and, in November, we are promised a team of reinforcements from Goldhill Youth Group which will be super.

 

Meanwhile, we look forward to seeing you at the Show on Saturday  .... when the river should be in good heart adjacent to the field and there will be more to report regarding the trials.

 

P.S.  2Mld is 2 million litres per day or 2,000 cubic metres or about 18,000 gallons per hour or approx. the typical summer flow at CStG.  In many ways of looking at it, this is not " a waste of water" as it is taken from the aquifer to which it returns  a few kilometres downstream having seeped back through the river bed.

 

 AUGUST 22 2011

 

An excellent turn-out in July - over 30 people - enabled us to cover almost the full stretch from Mill Lane to Chalfont St Peter.  For a while, that effort resulted in a brief return of the river to the CStP Council Offices but the seasonal trend has been such that, within just a couple of days, "the end" had moved back into the field below Water Hall.  (See graphs on the website to get an idea of how low the water table is this year)

 

As reported last month, Veolia plan to trial the impact of returning 2 Mld (2 million litres per day) to the Misbourne at Amersham, near the Jaguar Garage.  This is part of a long running study between Veolia, Environment Agency and others into ways of improving the balance of abstraction (which we all need so we have water to drink) and flow in the rivers (which we all want to improve the environment in which we live).  The trials comprise 2 days "commissioning" which was carried out between 9th and 11th August, which did result in some noticeable improvement all the way down towards Chalfont St Peter where it was reported that "the end" was briefly advancing by some 2 feet per minute across the field to the tennis courts before the test ended.  A full 4 week trial is scheduled from Tuesday 30th August to Monday 26th September.   However, it is not intended to implement any solution from these studies before the next AMP - 2015 - 2020: all the parties have undertaken to do in this AMP (2010 - 2015) are the studies.  Personally, I am delighted that these authorities are looking at what can be done.

 

Meanwhile, The Chiltern Society are re-drafting the Lottery Application for lining the sections discussed previously, taking on board feedback on the first draft.

 Saturday 3rd September we will again have a stand at the Chalfont St Giles Show and look forward to seeing you there plus would be very grateful for offers of assistance in manning the stand for a while.

 

And, before then,  we will be at The Village Hall pub this Tuesday 23rd August from 7.45 p.m.   Come and join us for a drink and a chat about any or all of the above, or something completely different. 

 

JULY 26th 2011

 

With thanks to those who have already let me know regarding our work day this coming Sunday, this reminder that we will be out and about again from 09.30 and need as many workers as possible.

 

Given the overall lack of rain in the past three years, it is amazing that we have continuous flow through our section of the valley all the way to Chalfont St Peter. There has been no river at all this year from the source at Mobwell through Great Missenden and down to near Little Missenden.  The ground water levels – currently 5m below river bed level at Chalfont St Giles are typically 2 m below last years levels.  In the last couple of weeks though, it is clearly slackening and, if we are to have any chance of maintaining it through to the autumn some urgent maintenance is required.  Basically, this comprises raking aside the fools cress and other weed that is choking various sections between Mill Lane at Chalfont St Giles and Chalfont St Peter and clearing branches and other debris obstructing the flow.  We know from experience that a few people on a section can make a really significant impact surprisingly quickly and our previous work has made the maintenance a lot easier than the original clearance.  However, if we don't keep at it......................

 

We generally start work about 09.30 a.m. but anything goes.  You must expect to get wet and muddy and have some fun.  You are advised to bring good Wellington boots and old clothes.  We have work gloves, Hi-vis, collecting bags and some tools but you may prefer to bring your own heavy duty waterproof gloves, maybe a garden rake and, if you have one, a bill hook. 

 

If you can join us, this Sunday, even if just for an hour, we would love to see you but please don’t just turn up!   Contact me, preferably by e-mail, for further details – so that gangs and sections can be planned and work prioritised.  Ideally we need to field teams of 2, 3 or 4 to each of:

• Mill Lane to end of Mill Farm 
• from there to back of St Giles Library (need waders)
• past C St G Pond through to the Church Bridge
• from Church bridge to the blasted tree (need waders?)
• from blasted tree to bend before the horse field  (need waders?)
• from bend through horse field to open field
• through open field to Water Hall
• Water Hall through to Cst P tennis courts
• CStP tennis courts through to allotment bridge
• Allotment bridge through to Community Centre Bridge
• Community Centre Bridge through to Garden Club Hut
• Garden Club Hut to Greyhound

 

So that is a lot of people needed!!!  If though, you would prefer to work with some friends at another time in the near future and would like to take on one of these sections (or part), that would be wonderful and we'd love to hear from you.

 

 

 

 JULY 11th 2011

 

Particular thanks to Ray Randle, John Norris, Dave Cooper and all who helped at the MRA stand at Feast Day last month.  Many visitors to the stand expressed delight at the continued flow of the river and their appreciation of all our work.   A good number of new recruits joined our ranks.   MRA's efforts were also applauded at the recent annual forum of the Chiltern Conservation Board where our presentation on the River, its problems and our work was well received.

 

Another presentation at the same event was from Veolia Water.  Two interesting snippets for you:

• As part of their environmental studies, in conjunction with the EA's sustainable abstraction programme, Veolia plan to trial the impact of returning 2 Mld to the Misbourne - probably at Amersham for an initial period of two weeks.   (2 Mld is roughly equivalent to present flow at Chalfont St Giles, a good springtime flow at Chalfont St Peter, or 10% of typical flow behind Tesco at Amersham)
• Veolia anticipate that, if it goes ahead, construction of HS2 would force the abandonment of at least the pumping station at Chalfont St Giles.  They have serious concerns regarding its potential impact on groundwater movement and the river.  (Note: the HS2 consultation closes on 29th July:  http://stophs2.org/hs2-consultation )

 

Mike Lowings writes that the invertebrates group have completed their first set of data for the Misbourne following their course in May. Results look pretty good and importantly they are above the trigger levels.  I will add these and subsequent results to the website and we look forward to hearing more of their expeditions.

 

The July groundwater dips recorded levels that are virtually their lowest in the last three years with further falls lilely between now and the usual recovery in November.  The spring fed back stream at Chalfont St Peterr has not run at all this year and yet our cherished small flow continues all the way along the valley.  However, it is easy to see how vulnerable it is to the overgrowth of summer weeds.  Having cancelled the full working party in June because of lack of available support, we actually made a surprisingly strong impact with the seven stalwarts who joined for a quick couple of hours although nothing like enough to restore the channel condition we had achieved in April.  

 

So, we have a lot of hard work to tackle on our next foray - Sunday 31st July and need a bumper turnout.  Please let me know before the 21st (see below) if you will be able to join us on the 31st, and, if you have a preference, where you would prefer to work.   As always, every little helps - one hour, all day, a.m. or p.m. - all welcome. 

 

Our next "not a meeting" will be at The Village Hall pub on Thursday July 21st from 7.45 p.m.   Come and join us for a drink and a chat about any or all of the above, or something completely different. 

 

 JUNE 2011

 

Our peculiar river continues to flow continuously through the valley but a convincing explanation of how is still elusive!   Certainly, our efforts in May, when the work groups managed to visit almost the whole length from Mill Lane through to Chalfont St Peter centre, will have helped.  The difference between the swampy field N of Chalfont St Giles a few months ago and the clear stream now running through the same field is quite dramatic - congratulations to all who have battled with the deep silt through here.

 

Now Brian Young has made such a huge difference immediately downstream of Bottom House Farm Lane,  a further onslaught is planned in the next reach, behind Arklow Kennels.   Meanwhile, of course, the weeds continue their fight back so the attractive sight lines at CStP and the cleared route through CStG will, no doubt, need another visit at our next session on 18th June. 

As there was a positive response when it was mentioned before, and subject to continued flow and reasonable weather, we''ll have a picnic and some fun after the working morning on the 18th.  I'm envisaging "bring your own" lunch and gathering near the wooden bridge at, say 1.00 p.m. in the field by Water Hall - parking in The Paddock - pooh sticks, duck race?, rounders?   So, please let me know both if you expect to be able to join the work party on the 18th and/or if you are interested in such a happening (no need to do "A" to join "B"!).

 

Our invertebrate measurers enjoyed their training day and have begun surveys on the Misbourne with an outing to near the weir downstream of Chafont Park lake, where they found a healthy range of small life.   Some more detail will be added to the website soon.   The level survey work around the London Road dump has confirmed the perception of an unsatisfactory inconsistent gradient in that reach - something to be addressed if/when the lining proceeds.

 

We will be at the corner table in The Village Hall Pub this Thursday evening, 9th June, from 7.45 p.m. if you would like to join us for a drink and a chat.  I'm sure topics won't be exclusively river related but it would be good if we could make some progress with planning and preparing our inputs to:

• our presence at Chalfont St Peter Feast Day - Saturday June 25th  - volunteers wanted even for just a half hour on the stall please
•  
• our presentation and presence at the Annual Forum of the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project - Tuesday 28th June (morning)
•  
• our presentation and exhibition at the VOPAG (Village Older Persons Appraisal Group) Open Meeting - Tuesday July 19th (morning)
•  
• our presence at Chalfont St Giles Show - Saturday 3rd September - volunteers wanted even for just a half hour on the stall please
•  
• an evening with Chalfont St Giles Guides (tbc)

 

........... also, I'd love to be making more headway with collecting and sharing tales (tall or otherwise) and pictures from days gone by.  (I learned the other day that a certain gentleman was in the habit of canoeing between his home on the outskirts of Chalfont St Giles and the  Merlins Cave pub!) 

 

May 2011

 

April showers seem to have passed us by this year. The news is full of bush fire stories.  John Norris' observations for April  in the " Facts & Figures " section of our website show a second consecutive very dry month.  The groundwater levels summarised at  " Quick View " are at 4-year lows for this time of year and the spring fed back stream at Chalfont St Peter is bone dry.  We have checked with Veolia Water and they advise there has been no reduction in abstraction.  And yet the Misbourne continues to flow continuously through the Chalfonts without "the gap".   It's nice to think that our efforts have something to do with this and in many places the recently emerging gravely bed supports that thought.  However, some of the facts, e.g. the healthy situation upstream of Quarendon Mill where we have done nothing, raise questions not resolved by reference to our efforts.  "Answers on a postcard, please"!

 

Anyway, its good to see the silver ribbon scintillating in the sunshine along the valley.  I hope we can muster a good turnout for our next Work Party on Sunday May 22nd.   A good effort this month is essential to keep the channel open and maintain the viewpoints we have been creating.  Please let me know if you can join us and we can start planning which of the many needy locations to tackle.  Supporters from both St Peter and St Giles will, no doubt, also be wanting to make their river frontages are as attractive as possible for the Best Kept Village judges visiting in June.

 

As it is fairly close to the river, you may be interested in, and possibly have a view on, the plans for a Waste Transfer Station to be built adjacent to the Recycling Centre at the London Road Depot - see this link .   This reach of the river, of course, is one of the two sections the Chiltern Society has identified for lining.  We now have surveys in hand and, following an encouraging briefing meeting with the Heritage Lottery Fund, drafting of the application for Lottery Funds is being finalised.  Letters of support have been received from both Chiltern District Council and Chalfont St Peter Parish Council.

 

Other dates for your diary and appeals for assistance include 25th June, Chalfont Fair  - and 3rd September, Chalfont St Giles Show,  and don't forget that, after the June work party on Saturday 18th June, we aim to have a family picnic.

 

if you would like to enjoy a drink and a chat about these or other matters, do join us for "not a meeting" at The Village Hall pub, Chalfont St Peter next Thursday, 12th May from 19.45 hrs.  (Yes, you are right, this was to have been 10th May but a business trip has forced a change and I know some of the regular attendees prefers a Thursday anyway).

 

 2011 (nearly)

 

Quite a few imminent matters to mention so this note comes earlier than usual.  Perhaps I'll then leave you in peace for a leisurely Easter and Royal Wedding season?

First, can I draw your attention to a meeting regarding the proposed HS2 at the Chalfont St Peter C of E School, Church Lane this Saturday, 2nd April, at 10.00 a.m.  There will be displays, including of the river, and presentations from HSAA and The Chiltern Society.  I am assured these will cover the potential threat to the very existence of the River Misbourne through the valley as outlined in this paper by the Chiltern Society's  geologist Haydon Bailey.  In summary, Haydon suggests the proposed railway construction risks:

• long term damage to the Chalk aquifer system 
• pollution of the main water supply system for the north western Home Counties area and potentially further into north London 
• serious ground collapse in areas with deep sections of weathered chalk
• total loss of surface flow in the Misbourne River system and the destruction of the adjacent habitats
• the aesthetic loss of the Misbourne River and its replacement by a dry valley

 

The environmental studies for the lining project are getting underway.  Land surveys commence next week beside the Recycling Centre and along the leat north of Mill Lane and the invertebrate monitoring squad set off for their training with the RiverFly Partnership  in a few days time.  The land surveyor will be generally self sufficient but I would like to create a rota of volunteer visitors who would be willing to pop by during the day, ensure all is well, maybe help clear particular obstructions, share a flask of coffee?  Please let me know if you might have a spare hour or two next week.

 

We are also preparing under the Chiltern Society banner for a meeting with the Heritage Lottery Fund with regard to  funding the project on Friday 8th

 

Meanwhile, flow through the valley continues to be exceptionally good - continuous all the way through to Chalfont Park and beyond to the confluence with the Colne.  This is again a significant  year on year improvement, even though the Chalfont St Peter springs and the backstream are still not running this year, due to the low annual rainfall and hence low groundwater levels.  

 

Turnout for the March work party was well down on what we have become used to but some good work was completed.  Between the ford at Mill Lane and Chalfont St Giles, we now have a clear river which we hope will keep going through the summer without reverting to an overgrown swamp.  Elsewhere, some useful clearing and tidying was achieved and good progress was made with establishing view points at Chalfont St Peter.

 

It would be   to have a good turnout in April.  We will aim to clear young weeds before they get too big and to ensure everywhere is as good as we can make it before our long break and what is probably the most attractive time of year by the river.  I hope you remember we changed the date to Saturday April 9th.  Just an hour or two makes a big difference and most people leave, dirty, wet and happy at lunchtime.  Please let me know if you expect to be able to join us and I will circulate some suggested jobs and allocations late next week.

 

Finally, everyone is welcome to a drink and a chat about River Matters and other things - "not a meeting" - in the Village Hall restaurant area, next Tuesday evening, 5th April, from 7.45 p.m.

 

That's all folks!  - hope to see you soon.

 

March 2011

 

The river has been flowing right through Chalfont St Peter for nearly a month now (since our Work Party on Feb 12th).  "So what?", you may ask, "Surely, that is what happens towards the end of the winter?"  Well, yes, you would be largely correct but followers of the monthly rainfall and groundwater level dip statistics will be aware that cumulative rainfall in the past 5 months remains below the long term average, and groundwater levels are a good half metre below normal for the time of year.  Indeed, the spring fed "backstream" is still quite dry.  Clearly, and unusually, the welcome flow through the village is "perched flow" brought down the valley in our cherished channel.  Unless rainfall moves back towards long term averages, which it did in February, it may be difficult to sustain but it is an encouraging start to the year.

 

As scheduled, our next drink & chat  - "not a meeting" - will be at The Village Hall, Goldhill Common, this Tuesday 8th March from 7.45 p.m.  As before, we will be at the 'L-shaped' table in the corner of the restaurant area.  

 

Moving on, the March Work Day is on Sunday March 20th.  Last month we made a very good impression on several of the target areas - particularly, hydraulically,  just upstream of Chalfont St Giles and, cosmetically, around the Community Centre at Chalfont St Peter.  These and the other usual areas will benefit from further attention and it would be good to also tackle some work a little further upstream by the dump (recycling centre).  So, lots to do -  please let me know if you expect to be able to join us, even for an hour,   I will reply with work plan ideas a day or so before when we know roughly how many we will be.

 

I know several of you have marked your calendars with the year's programme and I am sorry that it has become necessary to move April's programme.  The Work Day will now be Saturday April 9th and we will need to meet for plan and chat on Tuesday 5th.  Apologies for any inconvenience.  Of course, there';s nothing to stop anyone doing their thing on the original day and the usual kit can be made available if required.

 

Chalfont St Peter Feast Day is on 25th June. As previously, we will be with the Village Appraisal Group.  Please let me know if you would spend a little time on the stand.

 

I don't think there is any more news for the moment.  I look forward to seeing many of you at the  events above and hope that, in any case, you will have an opportunity to enjoy the river in some spring sunshine.  The walk between the Chalfonts is just lovely!

 

 February 2011

 

Various bits and pieces for your perusal:

 

1) Funding for training of volunteers for invertebrate surveys has been agreed by Chiltern Society and Chiltern Conservation Board.  The training day is being organised and I hope I have contacted everyone who expressed an interest in this: if you did and I haven't, please call me urgently.

 

2) Thanks to those who have offered to assist with the topographical surveys on 22 and 23 February.  Since scoping this for construction purposes, the requirements have expanded to meet new information on what is needed by the consultants for their flood risk assessments.  This, in turn, gives further issues with gaining permissions for access to more properties and, indirectly may lead to a change of survey company. If the dates have to change - (quite likely) - I will let you know asap.

 

3)  MRA is not and will not become a political or campaigning body.  However, if you are interested in the river, you may be interested in this paper http://www.chilternsociety.org.uk/hs2/dloads/HS_routes_geological_paper.pdf by the Chiltern Society geologist, Haydon Bailey.  It gives an interesting overview of the area's geology as well as drawing some alarming conclusions regarding the possible effect of HS2 upon our river.

 

4) If you regularly walk in the fields between the Chalfonts, can you help explain the following?  

    …… on Saturday morning (29^th January), …….there was flow to The Greyhound.  At about 2.00 p.m., there was none at the Vic Wotton Bridge, none at the Community Centre Bridge and none at the little brick bridge! but plenty of ice  remnants confirmed the water had been there.   A mini "wall" of muddy  water appeared from the North and, within minutes it was past the Community  Centre Bridge heading for the village.  An hour or so later, there was  strong flow past the Greyhound, past the precinct slip road, under the  Chiltern Hill Bridge and into the new industrial estate.  Alas, we  waited in vain for it to emerge at Woodside Close and, by late  evening, it had regressed again to the Vic Wotton Bridge area.

Theory 1 = some human intervention e.g. abstraction fluctuation or  operation of sluices or farm work.

Theory 2 = The river froze solid at some point upstream of CStP and  blocked itself.  The water under the ice seeped away, depositing the  ice remnants onto the bed.  Then the freeze thawed, releasing the  dammed waters in a rush which I witnessed entering the village.  I  think I favour  this theory for this particular happening. 

 

5) Thanks to those who responded to the query regarding visibility of graphs on our website.  This should be OK now - please let me know if not.

 

6) A welcome number have confirmed your availability for this Saturday's work party but I'm sure lots more of you will be letting me know soon that you intend to join us!   We have lots of big and small jobs lined up and it really does help organise for best results if you can let me know well in advance.  As usual, a detailed e-mail will be sent on Thursday/Friday with rendezvous arrangements.  For the heavy gang, there is plenty of debris causing backing up just upstream of CStG village as this picture - who can bring some waders?  Fear not - there are plenty of opportunities for lighter engagement as well!

 

 

 

 

7) Bitter -sweet.  And finally, this picture shows the perched flow currently frustratingly disappearing just upstream of Chalfont St Peter Village Centre.  The good news is that, only last year, it was doing just this in the first field down from CStG.

 

 

 

 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!                                                                    23 January 2011 

 

Your river has held up really well over recent months - never receding back far above Chalfont St Peter tennis courts and always in good flow through Chalfont St Giles and across the fields below.  It looked extremely pretty during the big freeze, as you can see in the pictures below taken by Geoff Coleman.   Today, it's almost into Chalfont St Peter village - partly thanks to a really good effort by Ray Randle and friends last week.  On the website you can find a graph which demonstrates progress in the last two years.  On 1st January 2009  the river was dry from just above Mill Lane, a km or so upstream of Chalfont St Giles; on 1st January 2010 it disappeared in the first sheep-field downstream of Chalfont St Giles and, on 1st January 2011 - still flowing over 2 km further on.

 

In fact, the whole section from Bottom House Lane all the way through to Chalfont St Peter is now in pretty good condition thanks to your efforts.  Exceptions include the stretch immediately N of Chalfont St Giles and one or two very local spots.  The rest appears to require just very light work at present , though this will obviously get heavier into the Spring.

 

Meanwhile, further preparation has been made towards the trial lining Project and topographical survey work will be undertaken in the next few weeks.  To keep the survey costs down, we have said that we will provide the "chainmen" - that is the people who carry the staffs and hold them in place - (including in the river - waders will be provided!) - while the surveyor takes his readings, holds one end of a tape measure while he reads the other, maybe clears small branches or undergrowth if in his way,  etc.  We anticipate the survey work will take a couple of days, maybe running into a third and are looking for volunteers.   No experience needed!  I would suggest we split it into half day shifts.  The likely days are Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd.  If you can help on the morning or afternoon of either day, please let me know.

 

For 2011,  I have posted proposed dates for Work-days and the informal pub chats, which we call "not-a-meetings", on the Future Action area of the website.  I hope that having a plan at this stage will be helpful to you and we'll try to keep changes to a minimum.   Details for each month will be circulated by e-mail and added to the website as usual.   Our first Work-day will be Saturday February 12th.   Very sadly, The Three Pigeons, which has made such a good base for us and hosted another excellent end-of-season/Christmas dinner, is currently closed.  We very much hope that Matt, Nikki and the team can sort out the issues and reopen again soon.   So we look forward to seeing some of you for a drink and natter at the  first "not-a-meeting" of 2011 on Thursday 3rd February from 7.45 p.m. at The Village Hall pub (Goldhill Common, Chalfont St Peter) when we will finalise Work-party arrangements for the 12th.  These will probably include a major push in the field above Chalfont St Giles and under the Pheasant Hill Bridge; some work from Cherry Acre through Water Hall; and general quick and light clearing through as much open area as we can cover.  As always, to help plan, it would help a great deal if you could let me know on or before 3rd if you expect to be able to join us on the 12th.

 

By the way, if anyone has difficulty accessing pages or attachments on the website, please advise me.  I was using someone else's computer the other day and found they could not see the graphs on the "Facts & Figures/Quick View" page.  Is this a common problem?

 

       

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 MRA - Good News                                                   08 November 2010

 

There is quite a bit to report this month and its all very encouraging!

 

We are delighted that, after many months (or is it years?) of discussion,  the Environment Agency has decided to support The Chiltern Society's proposals for lining the river bed as a trial in the area of the Council Tip (Recycling Centre) near The Ivy House Pub.  This means that the Planning Application can move forward and, most importantly, we hope that the Lottery Application will now be looked upon favourably.  Many of you will know that the plan is to use a natural clay like material sandwiched between layers of sacking, buried below the bed - no concrete, no plastics.  All being well, the aim will be to carry out the actual installation in about a year from now when flow is at its annual minimum but there will be much preparation beforehand.

 

I now have 6 names on the list of people interested in becoming involved in invertebrate surveys - (Mike, Caroline, Dorothie, Carole, Christa, Jane) - which is a goodly number.  If I have missed you or you would like to be added, please let me know this week as I would now like to move forward and arrange the introduction to the experts in the EA and appropriate training.  There is a need for this work in any case but particularly to inform "before and after" comparisons for the lining.

 

The weather was very kind again for our work party on Saturday, when we had 27 volunteers working in various locations between Chipstead Farm and Lower Road, Chalfont St Peter.  Now we have most areas relatively tamed, it is very rewarding how quickly progress can be made.   Key tasks included some substantial clearance at the leat,  removal of choking weed at CStG, some "gardening" around The Greyhound, rediscovering the backstream at CStP and coaxing the leading edge across the fields.  It was good to find on Sunday that our efforts had brought the small stream all the way back to the tennis courts.  Flow this far south at this ebb time of the year is remarkable, if not unheard of, in recent years and you can be proud that John Norris reported to the Chiltern Society Rivers and Wetlands Group AGM that he was at a loss to explain it without blaming the MRA!

 

These ramblings now have a voluntary circulation of more than 200 and are also copied to several interested oreganisations and officials.  As always, if you would really rather not have them inflicted upon you, do please let me know.  I sometimes have periods of depression imagining that they go straight into peoples junk-mail so the occasional bit of feedback is always very welcome.  I would still be very grateful for one or more volunteers to act as "telephone tree" to help us keep in touch with supporters who don't use e-mail.

 

If you would like a drink and a natter - not necessarily about the river! - do join us for a "not a meeting" at The Three Pigeons on Tuesday 23rd November from 7.45 p.m.

Our next (and last in 2010) work party will be Sunday 28th November.  I expect we will be concentrating on the leat (between Misbourne Farm and Mill Lane) and the last 250 metres upstream of the Pheasant Hill Bridge as well as general TLC around CStP.  Do please let me know if you think you might be able to join us - just an hour or two is much appreciated.  I am arranging more tools etc as I was nearly overwhelmed by the welcome late contacts this week.

 

Finally, our end of season Christmas meal will be going ahead but please note this will now be on Wednesday 15th December.  Last year we had a very enjoyable time and this year's 3-course price is £2 less per person with the possibility of further reduction if our numbers increase.  Thanks to those who have committed already so that we could confirm the event - I look forward to hearing from lots more of you in the next few days.   Details, including menu, are on the website: call now to avoid disappointment!

 

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October 2010 - MRA October

 

After the chaos of last month's circular which some received fine, some received one or more attachments only and some apparently didn't receive at all, I'll keep this message simple.

The Chalfont St Peter work group last month did a fantastic job and we also made a start on the seasonal unclogging of the Mill Leat.  All in all the corridor is now in pretty good condition all the way from Misbourne Farm to below Chalfont St Peter, with just a few sections  needing some maintenance.   

in a few days, the website will be updated to show this month's flow, distance and dipping readings.  Adding some earlier records to the graph issued last month underlines the change over the last two years and it is hard to see any other explanation for the substantial improvements than our efforts.  As always, much of the information has been provided by John Norris, John Gladwin and Dave Anderson who do a wonderful job month on month recording river data for The Chiltern Society (with essential help from friends like you!).  This data is shared with the Environment Agency and should help ensure that decisions taken and work done affecting the river are soundly based. 

The main measurement exercises each month are borehole dipping (normally on the 1st of the month) and flow measurement.  It is the flow measurements which are the most challenging, involving some rather repetitive and time consuming readings with at least one of the team spending some time standing in the river!  They are also the most important in demonstrating (or perhaps otherwise) the case for localised remedial lining to get and keep the river flowing through the Chalfonts.    Could you join the pool of  measurers from whom we would draw occasionally?  And, by the way, we and the Environmental Agency would welcome some more volunteers for training in and undertaking some invertebrate surveys: I'll be sorting out the training day shortly.

The trickle of people registering their interest in our activities continued in the month and this News now has a circulation of well over 200.  However, I am conscious that I am not following through with several supporters who have only given phone numbers and don't use the Internet.  I wonder if two or three of you would be prepared to become our "telephone tree" - basically a monthly call to up to half a dozen people, passing on our news and views. Maybe this role would suit one of the several of you who have told me how much you support what we are doing but are unable to help us with the physical work on the river?  If this interests you, please  call to discuss.

Last year we had a very enjoyable "end of season/Christmas " meal and we decided at our recent "not a meeting" to go for the same again this year.  We have a provisional booking for 7.30 p.m. onThursday 9th December.  I have put the details on the website (under "Future Action") - it looks even better than last year and it is slightly cheaper - even if I can't negotiate a further discount! Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to join us: if necessary we will work on a "first come, first served" basis.

Our next full work day will be on Saturday 6th November when we will be welcoming some additional support from the Chalfont St Peter Youth Centre.  Work plans are yet to be settled. Please let me know as soon as you can if you expect to be able to join us, though I'll probably be in touch again beforehand.

Finally, I look forward to seeing as many as fancy a chat and a natter - i.e. "not a meeting" - at The Three Pigeons, Austenwood Lane on Thursday 21st October from 7.45 p.m.  

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September 2010
 

Our three work groups last month were again very satisfied with what they achieved: channel clearing between Mill Lane and Chalfont St Giles till the water was so deep they could go no further!; tidying around the Stone Bridge in preparation for the Show and an excellent effort coaxing the leading edge all the way from the Tennis Courts (where we left it the month before)  through to the Community Centre Bridge at Chalfont St Peter.  Over the past couple of weeks, this limit has eased back a hundred yards or so but overall the extent of flow compared with a couple of years ago is quiet amazing.

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!

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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. 

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May  2010

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

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!

 

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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.

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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.

 

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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

   

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  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,

 

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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,

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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

 

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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

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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

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31 May 2009

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.

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.”

As you know, our next organised day is next Sunday 7^th 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.      27^th 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. 

6th January 2009

As we swing into 2009, I thought you might be interested in an update of our activities
 to date and plans for the Year ahead.
 
Last year, as you probably know, working with the Village Environmental Group and BCTV, we
 participated in the two "de-clutter days", painted the bridge over the river by the Community
 Centre and opened up the spring-fed backstream by the allotments. This has been flowing well for
 several weeks now.
 
In 2008, we also gathered a lot of support and goodwill. The Parish Council have kindly paid for a
 Group Activities Insurance for us through BCTV and have reserved a small sum for additional
 tools and expenses in the future. The Chiltern Society River Group, chaired by Roger Lerry, is
 very excited about our ambitions and this is leading to great support behind the scenes in
 discussion with 3rd parties. We have also researched various technical options and established
 contact with a couple of helpful contractors.
 
This last weekend, a small reconnaissance group walked from Chalfont St Peter to Misbourne Farm
 (just short of the Ivy House pub on the way to Amersham) where the river is flowing strongly. As
 predicted by John Norris, it is quite clear where the water is disappearing into the ground over
 a short section downstream of the farm and upstream of Mill Lane. We believe that attention to
 this would dramatically improve the flow and associated environmental appeal and diversity along
 the whole valley through Chalfont St Giles and Peter. We lunched at Merlin’s Cave with much
 optimism that the problem is indeed manageable and pleased with the sacks of rubbish we had
 collected along the way. Meetings with 3rd parties, including Chalfont St Giles PC are
 anticipated in the next couple of weeks and I hope to be able to report in more detail shortly.
 
Meanwhile, we are working towards establishing a simple web-site and still hope to have an exhibit
 in the library before too long. Early February we hope to have a day both clearing rubbish and
 easing the channel at selected points between the tennis courts and The Greyhound. You may have
 noticed that the springs in the field near the tennis court are currently showing well
 
Our numbers grow steadily with this note going out to some 20 households and many others having
 expressed good intent but not yet sent me their e-mail addresses. Given the various "flyers" in
 shops in the village and some media coverage, it is surprising that the majority of the parish 
haven't heard of us at all - Please tell your friends/neighbours and give my address to any who
 are interested (or who may have a different view)
 
Best wishes