Countryside Management Service

We have a number of leafleted walks that are aimed at beginners or those walking specifically to improve their health. Find one in your area and give it a go.

The Countryside Management Service (CMS) has been working with communities in Hertfordshire for 30 years, helping them to care for and enjoy the environment.

Pooled Resources

The Countryside Management Service secured over £45,000 and worked in partnership to improve a section of the River Chess in Rickmansworth for wildlife and to protect a neighbouring lake.

Sabey’s Pool is owned by British Waterways (BW) and the fishing rights leased to the West Hampstead Angling Club. The pool was divided from the River Chess by an ugly and wildlife unfriendly fish screen, comprising galvanised steel corrugated sheeting driven into the lake bed.

Concerns over the integrity of this structure prompted the Environment Agency to contact the Countryside Management Service to draw together a proposal for replacement. A project team was formed consisting of British Waterways, Environment Agency and the CMS.

Working closely with the contractor Cain Bioengineering, a way forward was agreed. The existing structure was replaced with a 4 meter wide artificial river bank consisting of a blend of hazel fagots, geo-textile membrane and soil won from digging a new pond on site. When the planting matures this new artificial river bank will provide habitat for riverside creatures such as water vole, dragonflies and reed warblers. In addition the new structure will prevent the fish from escaping into the River Chess whilst allowing the transfer of water between the lake and river during periods of high rainfall.

The project has been funded by Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the RSWT, which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services. In addition contributions were made from the Environment Agency, Angling Club and Hertfordshire County Council.