Some seasonal cheer!

We were delighted with progress – by the last two work parties, and the clement weather. As a result, flow below Amersham now crosses the ford at Mill Lane and is on its way towards Chalfont St Giles – looking positive for flow back in the village early in the New Year. Our final work party for 2022 is this coming Saturday 10th at 10.00. Please let me know if you can join those who have already signed up.

We were delighted to welcome Louisa from The Conservation Volunteers and look forward to renewing and developing MRA’s relationship with TCV, which could lead to extending our range.

I was delighted that the previous work party went so well as, for the first time, I wasn’t there! That confirms the obvious that dates don’t have to revolve around my diary and so, going forward, we will look at establishing a more regular pattern. A similar note at our positive meeting on 1st December resolved to target more work through Amersham and possibly Shardeloes. With that in mind, we would be delighted to hear from anyone who might take on a “bailiff” role for a section of the river – e.g. monitoring its flow and condition, advising needs for work parties, engaging with local residents etc.

Routinely sampling the amazing mini-creatures that live on and in the bed of the watercourse provides important information on water quality and can quickly detect pollution. The invertebrate monitoring team would be delighted to welcome a couple more volunteers to take part in this fascinating activity. More information is available on our website at http://www.misbourneriveraction.org/node/40 and from the Riverfly Partnership website https://riverflies.fba.org.uk. Full training and equipment are provided.

NOT TOO LATE YET: I’m also delighted to say we have a good response for our Annual Dinner on Wednesday 14th December at 7.30pm and confirm it will again be at The Greyhound in Chalfont St Peter. While looking forward immensely to the evening we would be even more delighted to add you and partner to the list if you aren’t already on it. But, I do need to know by this Thursday 8th please. Cost (excluding drinks) is £30 per person for 3 courses, including coffee, and just £24 for 2 courses.

The indispensable Dave Anderson who, usually assisted by his wife Patsy, dips the groundwater boreholes up the river every month was delighted to note that “winter recharge” has properly started and, indeed, gains in GWL can be seen on every one of the plots at http://www.misbourneriveraction.org/node/18 . Dave went on to correctly point out that GWL’s at Dec 1st were still more than a metre below those in 2021. Current levels, as last month, are not far off the “average” for the past 30 years. The recharge period Oct 2020/ Mar 2021 gave a head start to the drier than average year commencing November 2021.

So, as usual looking forward to seeing you by or in the river, but also at The Greyhound, and with best wishes for a Happy Christmas and New Year