There has been flow through CStP on 1st August in just 15 of the last 35 years. Yet today, almost unbelievably after this summer, Misbourne is still flowing from Deep Mill Pond to the Colne. As noted before I think this comparison with 30 years ago, is due largely to reductions in...
Inevitably, the lack of rain is having a significant effect on the river. The EA attended several fishkills reported last month, though these were less than on some previous occasions. The upper winterbourne flow has now receded towards Little Missenden while the lower winterbourne is just about hanging on through the Chalfonts for the moment....
A special welcome to a good crop of new supporters added to the circulation in the month; many from meeting on our joint stall with Chiltern Chalk Streams Project (CCSP) team at Denham Country Fayre. Apart from the occasional contact, we haven’t done much downstream of the M25 in the past and it will be good if...
Keeping these notes relatively light and brief is always a challenge but becoming increasingly so as more “stuff” is happening. We have always resisted having formal meetings and committees but, as momentum gathers, particularly with respect to “Mending the Misbourne” led by Chiltern Chalk Streams Project (CCSP), a group has sort of emerged for...
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...
With signs of spring, our first work-parties of the year did a grand job clearing winter debris, fallen trees, blocked fences and general overgrowth by Amersham Tesco, in CStP including rejuvenating the “back stream”, and downstream at “Over the Misbourne”. As always, the aim is to encourage brisk flow, with minimum disturbance of the natural...
Looking forward to our Annual Dinner on 10th December, 6.30pm, at The Ivy House. @ £34.95 for 3 courses, £29.95 for 2 courses. PLEASE let me know asap if you wish to join us as we need to finalise details with the venue. Why not spoil your supportive significant other who waits at home while you are having fun in the river,...
Last month I undertook to advise Thameswater’s response to the concerns raised by two apparent spikes in the record of Amersham Tank discharges into the river in September. I’m pleased to report that one was explained by disconnection of cables for diversion as part of the improvement works and the other, on a perfectly dry...
A good day at Chalfont St Giles Show last Saturday with several of you visiting the stall for a chat, which was lovely, and several new sign-ups – Welcome to them! As ever, the display of live invertebrates from a kick sample teeming with creatures – including 3 bullheads, a crayfish and even a...
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...
