River Beane weir to be removed

A prominent weir on the River Beane is set for removal after modelling by the Environment Agency suggested the move will result in a range of benefits for the river.

Together with Hertfordshire County Council, the agency have released a newsletter detailing the project and plans for the work adjacent to Cedar Close.

As part of the project, detailed flood modelling was undertaken, wirth the results suggest that removal of the barrier would improve the movement of fish and eels along the river and enhance river habitats. Removal of the weir may also provide a significant reduction in flood risk.

Weir removal will result in a range of benefits for the river Beane, which is a rare and valuable habitat as one of only 200 chalk rivers in the world. The river will no longer be affected by the structure, allowing the river to become shallower, with flow more characteristic of a chalk river. This will also allow development of more bankside and aquatic vegetation, enhancing habitats along the river channel.

There will be no effect on the section of the mill stream downstream of the Sele Siphon, from Rockleigh to the confluence with the Beane.

Weir removal will also have no effect on connectivity between the river and the flood plain at Beane Marshes, the new Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust reserve (HMWT). HMWT have been, and will continue to be, engaged in the development of the project.

:: Environment Agency

Further survey work will take place in the coming weeks, with confirmation of the proposals in the early Summer, when a public consultation will take place.