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.