If you are not already aware, I imagine you too will be delighted to learn that initial funding for the “Mending the Misbourne” initiative has at last been secured and confirmed.  Do read the attached link for the detailed announcement from the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project.  https://www.chilternstreams.org/2025/08/06/chilterns-chalk-streams-project-set-to-mend-the-misbourne/. That link will also take you on to others which set out some of the background work and current aspirations.  No doubt plans will change and evolve and, hopefully, extra funds will be drawn in.  Of course, Thameswater are separately already making significant investments to reduce sewage pollution at Amersham and Gerrards Cross works but also at pinch points in the network.   All good news!

 

The EA has reported findings from May this year by the Amersham Balancing Tanks confirming the water quality had improved significantly compared with spring 2024 (dissolved oxygen: now 94.4%, ammonium 0.32mg/L).  The invertebrate community had also improved in diversity and abundance as taxa sensitive to water quality were recorded (mayflies, caseless caddisflies, freshwater shrimp). Similar improvements were noted at Bottom House Farm Lane and Misbourne Farm. Sewage fungus was no longer present at any of their monitoring sites. Our invertebrate monitoring teams report similarly.

 

After flowing 17 months since Feb 24 – the longest continuous period in our records – the winterbourne between Mobwell Pond and Missenden Abbey has dried again.  Elsewhere, levels continue to settle back into a more normal but healthy pattern with no sign that the general underlying trend of gently increasing ground water levels (see graph below) and longer periods of winterborne flow (in both the upper and lower streams) will not continue. 

 

There has been little volunteer activity in the month due to holidays and the generally satisfactory flows.  Our first “not-a-meeting” at the Chalfont St Peter cricket club proved the venue was viable and the next will be there again on Monday 1st September from 7.15pm – Chalfont Park Sports Club, SL9 0QA (What three words = covers.reach.island turning off Chalfont Park just before GX Golf Club).  No doubt some workdays will evolve from there.  As always, all welcome, especially newcomers!  

 

We are very grateful to the Chiltern Society for a generous donation of miscellaneous equipment to replenish worn stocks.

 

Having had an excellent evening last year, your Social Committee has decided we should return to The Ivy House for our Annual Dinner and booked this for Wednesday 10th December.  No need to book with me yet – more details to follow later – but do make a note in your diaries now.

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(Note: “Trendline” is heavily influenced by dry years)