The South East Rivers Trust (SERT) has completed the construction of a 2,000m2 pollution filter which will bring major benefits to the Hogsmill chalk stream in time for World Wetlands Day on Friday 2nd Feb 2024
When planting takes place in the spring, the newly constructed Chamber Mead wetland will protect and improve 5km of river downstream, filtering pollutants and becoming a haven for wildlife.
The project has been carried out in partnership with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, which owns and manages the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve, a popular greenspace which will now benefit from this new community asset.
The wetland is a crucial project for the Hogsmill, which suffers adversely from pollution such as urban road runoff, raw sewage discharges and misconnected plumbing that sends drain water directly into the river.
Water from the Green Lanes Stream has been diverted through a sediment trap and two wetlands, with filtered, cleaner water reconnected to the Hogsmill downstream of the famous Stepping Stones.
News about the wetland’s completion comes in the week of World Wetlands Day, on Friday 2nd February.
Dr Bella Davies, Co-CEO of SERT, said: “We are delighted that the construction phase of this important wetlands project has now been completed. It is destined to become a jewel in the crown of the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve. The public has shown great enthusiasm for this project, and we will soon be calling on volunteers and community groups to add the plants that will really make the wetlands flourish as a magnet for wildlife. The water quality improvements that will result from the wetlands are designed to help the river become a healthier place for all, especially wildlife that thrive in a chalk stream, such as brown trout.”
Councillor John Beckett, Chair of the Environment Committee at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: “The council is committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity in our borough, as per our Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-30.
“This partnership project with the South East Rivers Trust will help to ensure that the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve is a place where nature can thrive; from woodpeckers, hedgehogs and bats – to species whose numbers have dwindled such as water voles, fish and eels. We know our residents cherish this Local Nature Reserve and I hope that many can join the community planting days, which are a unique opportunity to be part of this fantastic project.”
SERT is now preparing a series of community planting days, to take place in the Spring. These will give residents the chance to plant the vegetation to help the wetlands counter pollutants.
Schools, community groups and residents will be given opportunities to install plants that have been specifically selected to filter pollution, trap sediments and attract a variety of wildlife. Plants selected include yellow flag iris, ragged robin, purple loosestrife and brooklime.
In time, SERT will also offer guided walks and outdoor education sessions for school children. A nature trail is planned for families to interact with the wetlands as they develop, alongside information boards which will detail the reasons why the wetlands were needed and the types of wildlife that should be attracted.
Supported by the Hogsmill Catchment Partnership, the project has received funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation, Natural England (through the Species Recovery Programme), the Environment Agency, Surrey County Council, the Rivers Trust, the Zoological Society of London, Garfield Weston Foundation and Thames Water, with in-kind support from the landowner Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. The new wetlands are part of the wider Replenish programme in partnership with the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Rivers Trust. The aim of Replenish is to restore millions of litres of water in this and other local catchments, in turn improving biodiversity.
Michele Cooper, Environment Agency Catchment Coordinator, said:
“In partnership with local communities, the Environment Agency is investing millions in chalk stream restoration projects across the country to foster more sustainable abstraction, tackle pollution from agriculture and the sewage system, and restore more natural processes.
“Chalk streams are precious habitats, havens for wildlife and highly valued by local communities and visitors alike. Together with our partners, we also continue to work hard to protect and enhance wetland habitats to benefit people and nature. Their future depends on collective action and this partnership project is therefore a much needed and welcome step towards addressing the many pressures these rare watercourses face.”
About the South East Rivers Trust
The South East Rivers Trust is an environmental charity bringing rivers and their catchments back to life. Working in 12 river catchments across the South East, the Trust connects communities and mobilises citizen scientists to educate and engage people on the importance of rivers, and supports and challenges stakeholders, businesses and individuals to protect them. The Trust uses data and evidence to target positive action and works with nature to make rivers healthy again. This includes tackling water pollution, addressing water scarcity, reconnecting rivers and restoring habitats.
The South East Rivers Trust is a registered charity, number: 1091000. Registered in England & Wales as a company limited by guarantee. Company registration number: 03969688.
About Chamber Mead Wetlands
The construction of the wetland is expected to cost £1 million. We are proud to have a good mix of funding for this project, including private funding from Coca Cola, Thames Water and charitable grants, as well as public funding from the Environment Agency, Natural England and Surrey County Council.
Chalk Streams
It is estimated there are 200 chalk streams across the world, with about 160 of them in England, mostly in the south. They typically have higher water quality because water has been filtered through chalk underground rock, making it very pure and crystal clear. Chalk streams flow slower than other rivers and maintain a more stable temperature because water comes out of the ground at about 10ºC all year. This extends growing and spawning seasons, because they are warmer than other rivers in winter. A chalk stream should typically have clean gravels which help salmon and brown trout thrive, while they are a haven for other iconic species such as otter, water vole and kingfisher.
Plants that have been selected to support the wetlands include:
- yellow flag iris – chosen for its water treatment qualities
- ragged robin – selected for its ability to attract many pollinators such as butterflies and long-tongued bees
- purple loosestrife – picked as a bee and butterfly attracting plant that is typically found in ditches and alongside lakes
- brooklime – native to chalk streams, this is ideal for the sides of ponds and provides shelter for tadpoles and sticklebacks.
Dog Walking Licensing Scheme for Nonsuch Park
Local Councils approve new Dog Walking Licensing Scheme for Nonsuch Park The Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee has voted to
Over £150 million needed for Epsom & St Helier
Over £150 million worth of repairs needed as Epsom & Ewell MP Helen Maguire calls for urgent investment at the
Happy Birthday Fuego
Fuego by Fenwick is celebrating it’s first year of opening. We were lucky to be invited to the opening and
Jim Allen New Manager at Epsom Downs
The Jockey Club today announces that Jim Allen has been appointed General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse. An alumni of
Helen Maguire MP First 100 days
100 days since her election win – Helen Maguire says the health service is “top priority” Epsom & Ewell MP, Helen Maguire has
Upgrades to The Ashley Centre Car Park
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council are installing a new Auto Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking system at the Ashley Centre