The River Colne Community Festival took place last Saturday, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate the River Colne...
Held at the Wellspring Church Centre, this event saw attendees connect with nature, learn about our beloved river, and take action to preserve it for future generations.
Organised in partnership with Watford Council, Groundwork East, Affinity Water, ReAP, Salix, and Veolia UK, the free event offered something for everyone. From engaging discussions with river experts to hands-on activities like riverfly sampling and guided walks along the river, the festival showcased the incredible community spirit dedicated to protecting and enhancing this vital natural resource.
Event highlights included:
- ‘Ask Me Anything’ sessions with environmental champions, sharing insights into the ecology, history, and future of the River Colne.
- A River Amble guided walk, where participants learned about the river’s unique ecosystem and conservation efforts.
- Opportunities to join volunteer initiatives, from river health monitoring to cleanup projects.
- An eco raffle and showcase featuring ongoing projects, partnerships, and fantastic prizes.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who attended, participated, and supported the festival. Your enthusiasm and passion made the day a resounding success. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers whose dedication brought the event to life and to our generous sponsors for their vital support.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “I am thrilled to see our community come together to celebrate the River Colne at our community festival. This was an opportunity for residents to see the important work we have done for a cleaner River Colne. Events like this highlight the power of collaboration and inspire us all to take action to protect this precious environment for future generations.”
Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said: "The River Colne is a vital part of our ecosystem and community. The River Colne Community Festival showcased the incredible work being done by volunteers, local organisations, and partners to protect and preserve it. I’m proud to see such strong commitment from our residents and partners as we work together for a sustainable future."
Sam Harbour, Operations Manager at Groundwork East said: “The festival was a fitting celebration to all that is happening to restore the River Colne in Watford. It brought together project partners, volunteers, local experts and of course the local community who are increasingly involved in our nature activities, designed to get people outdoors, enjoying the river and Watford’s green spaces.”
