Our “not-a-meeting” was held later this month and there were many constraints on dates so, once again, apologies for late notice of work parties planned for this Saturday 18th April (probably working from “Gorilla” storage yard toward Mill Lane, CStGiles; Wednesday 22nd (probably working Water Hall area); Wednesday 6th May – “BalsamBashing” at Little Missenden (Contact Trish Mallet by WhatsApp or email trish_mallett@outlook.com); Saturday 16th May – (probably working Bottom House Farm Lane or Chalfont Park). Plse let me know if you wish to join one or all of above!   Others and updates may be advised on the WhatsApp.

Our chinwag last Monday was again wide ranging and included an update on Chilterns Chalk Streams Project’s (CCSP) preparatory actions and intended staffing for the Mending the Misbourne programme.  We will be working with Steph Horn, Project Manager; Iona McMillan, Citizen Science Co-ordinator; Harriet Bennet, Farming and Landowner Advice Officer; Laura Silverstone, Education and Engagement Officer; and a Rivers Officer post yet to be advertised – generally this team will be allocated 50% to the programme.  The work to identify and, where possible, remove Invasive Non-Natural Species (INNS) referred to last month is gathering pace with 2 good sessions of Himalayan Balsam removal already undertaken and two stands of Japanese Knotweed scheduled for treatment.  Elsewhere, our contacts database of landowners is growing but any help in this respect is welcome.

EA figures confirm what was probably apparent: “March was a drier month with 28mm rainfall (70% of the long term average, LTA). Soils dried out during the month, with deficits rising from near zero at the end of February to above the LTA across most of the area by the end of March. As a result, effective rainfall was below average for the time of year and the aquifer recharge season drew to a close during March.   River flows fell back from the elevated levels seen in February, with chalk indicator sites recording month mean flows mostly in the above normal or normal bands.”  Graphs below from our own analyses show overall Misbourne recharge has also probably peaked.  While still above average and continuing to experience continued recharge at some stations, we may well see lower flows than we had hoped later in the year.

Our next “not-a-meeting” – informal chat over generally (Misbourne) river related matters will be from 7.15 p.m. on Monday 1st June, again at the Chalfont Sports Club, SL9 0QA – (what 3 words = “robots.lime.inform”) – All very welcome!   Other events and activities may appear on the WhatApp post between now and then.  If not already subscribed and you would like to join, please let me know.