Works will be starting in early August to to transform the area’s former watercress beds into a wildlife sanctuary complete with reeds, ponds and scrapes...
The watercress beds previously located in the nature reserve were the only ones in operation in the town. However, they stopped being actively managed in 1991, resulting in the build-up of silt and excessive vegetation over the past forty years. The restoration project seeks to promote biodiversity, enhance water quality, and preserve the flood plain functionality of the watercress bed area.
Restoration work will also involve preserving the watercress bed structures, as well as creating and restoring ponds and channels within the designated Local Nature Reserve, to create a biodiverse wetland area. The main tasks include removing silt from the channels that used to house the watercress beds and constructing embankments on-site. Additionally, a new pedestrian footbridge and fencing will be installed to enhance accessibility and ensure safety.
Watford Borough Council will lead the restoration of the wetland, collaborating with various organisations such as Friends of Cassiobury Park, the Environment Agency, and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. The project has also been supported thanks to funding from Grundon Waste Management Ltd via the Landfill Communities Fund and a permit granted by the Environment Agency.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "The restoration of this wetland area holds great significance as we work towards reviving the ecological diversity that has declined over the past four decades. By preserving the watercress bed structures, restoring ponds and channels, and addressing silt accumulation, we are taking vital steps towards enhancing the habitat for wildlife to thrive.
“We are grateful for the collaboration of organisations like Friends of Cassiobury Park, the Environment Agency, and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, ensuring a well-informed and ecologically sound approach to this project."
Kirsti Santer, Grundon’s Marketing Manager, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting this very important project and can’t wait to see how it progresses. Improving biodiversity and restoring the natural habitat is something very close to our hearts and the fact that local communities will be able to access the site more easily, makes this a great example of everyone working together for the benefit of the environment.”
Anna Daniels, Reserves Officer at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said: “We're excited to partner with Watford Borough Council on the wetland restoration project at Cassiobury Park Nature Reserve. This transformation aligns with our vision of a world where wildlife thrives and habitats are recovering.
“The project will boost conservation efforts, providing additional habitat and open water, benefiting various species in Watford. The improved wetland along the River Gade will support invertebrates, waterbirds, and nesting and feeding opportunities for species like Reed Warbler and Snipe."
Peter Jenkins, Chair of the Friends of Cassiobury Park, said: "We are excited to join forces with Watford Borough Council, Grundon and other organisations in restoring the former watercress beds in Cassiobury Park Nature Reserve. Through this collaborative effort, we aim to create a flourishing habitat that will benefit both wildlife and the local community, ensuring the preservation of this valuable natural space.”
The project's development is grounded in a comprehensive range of ecology surveys, ensuring a well-informed and ecologically sound design. If you would like to get involved, please contact the park management team at Cassiobury, by emailing cassiobury@watford.gov.uk or the Friends of Cassiobury Park www.friendsofcassioburypark.org.uk
