An ambitious project to return the River Ver to its more natural state as it runs through the centre of St Albans has been launched. The plan will include significant enhancements to Verulamium Park and the water quality of its artificial lakes.
Major improvements will also be made to the surrounding wildlife and landscape including the creation of accessible wetlands teeming with birds, fish and insects as well as plants.
The Environment Agency has been working on the plan along with St Albans City and District Council, which owns the park, and other partners.
The main aim is to improve a 2.5 kilometre section of the rare chalk stream that flows through the park to Sopwell Mill Farm. Another major development will see part of the chalk stream follow its more natural course after it passes the gardens of St Michael’s Manor. It will sweep down to the lower ground with the larger of the two lakes being reshaped to make room for it.
There will continue to be a flow down the existing artificial channel in front of the Fighting Cocks pub. This section, built to serve an old mill and allow fish to pass, will be dramatically improved.
The park’s artificial lakes – built in the 1930s - have become heavily-silted, reducing the water quality and causing unsightly algal blooms in the summer months.
A number of improvements will be made and include a slight increase to the flow from the Ver into the lakes to freshen the water. The smaller lake will continue to be available for model boating with a new launch area provided.
Both of the lakes’ edges will be fringed with native plants to provide a home for a rich diversity of wildlife and to soften the borders. A wetlands area will be created at the south-west corner of the large lake which will support many different colourful plants and animals. Boardwalks will be installed to allow people to explore this rich environment and get close to nature in all its beauty.