Welcome rain in the past few weeks is yet to dent the record soil moisture deficit, let alone begin to recharge the aquifers. As graphs below, groundwater levels are currently at almost exactly the 30 year average. We can expect flows to continue to dwindle before beginning to recover from a low point around November. Still, any flow through the Chalfonts at this time of year is encouraging.
Meanwhile, lots going on in the valley and lots of opportunities to pitch in. Small work parties in the month managed to complete clearance between Misbourne Farm and Bottom House Farm Lane, two thirds of the section “Gorilla” to Mill Lane, and several sessions predominantly focused on clearing instances of orange balsam In CStP and by Mill Lane. We even had help from a surprising appearance of Environment Agency around CStP this early in the year.
Those involved in our “Citizen Science” activities with Chiltern ChalkStreamsProject (CCSP) have continued with Riverfly monitoring and training for a new series of comprehensive monthly flow measurements. The next session of Smart Rivers extended river fly measurements is next month and this season’s water vole surveys should be complete next week. If you would like to know how these studies are used, are perhaps considering getting involved or just interested in rivers, then why not book a ticket (free) for CCSP’s Citizen Science Evening and talk on River Ecosystems on 5th October? Also, do take an opportunity to rest by your riverside for just 15 mins before 24th Sept to take part in The Big River Watch
Suggested dates for next work parties are Saturday 26th September, Wednesday 30th September and Saturday 3rd October. Please let me know which you can join and I’ll send details just before.
Volunteers are also invited to join Chiltern Rangers 10.00 a.m. on 28th September and 8th October working in the new Misbourne Valley Nature Reserve and along the river near CStP pollarding and coppicing trees and planting locally sourced bankside plants (common reed, yellow flag, and Purple Loosestrife) to enhance the river bank. Sign up here so they know the numbers and, therefore, the kit and more importantly, cups for tea!
One element of the nascent Mending the Misbourne programme is “Involving People: Engaging local residents through education, citizen science training, and volunteer monitoring.” We need two or three people to join a Misbourne Engagement Working Group. They will meet with other organisations to work toward improved awareness of local engagement opportunities, stronger collaboration between projects and partner organisations and new opportunities for future work. Current focus includes schools and community group engagement, the Chalk stream Challenge badge and the Interpretation board and access project.
If you can contribute in this area on our behalf, please contact LSilverstone@chilterns.org.uk or myself (First meeting likely to be 3rd November – TBC)
IMPORTANT! Our Annual Dinner is set for Monday 14th December at The Ivy house which has provided an excellent venue for many previous great evenings. As always we look forward to your company whether you are a regular work party volunteer, a citizen scientist or a supporter from the riverbank plus its an opportunity to treat any long-suffering partners. I will be very pleased to receive your bookings by October 4th so we can finalise arrangements in good time!
Finally, our next “not-a-meeting” – informal gathering to chat over all things “Misbourne” or other – will be from 7.15pm on Monday 5th October at Chalfont St Peter Sports Club, SL9 0QA. All Very Welcome! (What3words address = “robots.lime.inform”)
Looking forward to seeing you by or in the river, best wishes
