Executive Committee – 11 April 2005 Appendix to Agenda Item 5c
Rickmansworth Aquadrome
Management Plan
2005-2010
Karen Fishwick
Landscape Officer
Three Rivers District Council
Acknowledgements
A big thank you to the Aquadrome Licensees forum for all their help and guidance:
Alan Russell, Bury Lake Young Mariners
Gordon Bettis, Rickmansworth Waterski Club
Brian Morgan, Friends of Stockers Lake
Lis and Terry Dorer, Swan Care
Andrew Bailey, Rickmansworth Windsurfing
Keith Allen, Three Rivers Radio Controlled Yachting Cub
Laurie Dalton, Uxbridge Rovers
Nick Moore, Nomad Kayak Club
Pete Linskey, Out of Town Action Sports
And also to:
Gloria Gillespie, TRDC Residential Standards Manager
Alison Page, TRDC Environmental Services
Peter Brooker, TRDC Director of Leisure and Environment
And from the Licensees:
On behalf of all the licensed clubs and businesses at Rickmansworth Aquadrome I would like to record our appreciation of the effort put in by Karen Fishwick to produce this Mnaagement Plan. Karen has taken a great deal of time and trouble to consult widely to ensure that all points of view are represented fairly, and that an appropriate balance is maintained between leaisure and conservation interests.
Alan Russell, Chaiman, Aquadrome Licensees Forum
Contents
Page
1. Description 3
1.1 Site Details
1.2 Site Description
1.2.1. Habitats
1.2.2. Geology
1.2.3. Hydrology
2. Leisure and Recreation 5
2.1. Licensees
2.2. Buildings
2.3. Access
2.4. Informal Recreation
3. Conservation and Maintenance 12
3.1. Wildlife and Conservation
3.2. Tree Management
3.3. Water Quality
3.3.1. Background
3.3.2. Factors contributing to current excess nutrient (eutrophication) in the lakes
3.3.3. Treatment Options
3.4. Erosion and Water levels
3.5. The Bury
3.6. Grounds Maintenance Contract
4. Resources 19
- Public Consultation 20
- Site Objectives 21
- Five Year Action Plan 23
Appendices
i) Bylaws
ii) Maps
iii) Species Lists
iv) Building Survey Summary
v) Disability Access Survey
vi) Procedure for Managing Water Quality Issues
vii) Options Appraisal for Water Quality
viii) Public Consultation
ix) Bibliography
1. Description
1.1 Site details
Name Rickmansworth Aquadrome, including the Bury Grounds
Area 50 hectares
Grid Ref TQ054939
District and County Three Rivers District, Hertfordshire
Conservation Status Wildlife Site
Nature of Legal Interest owned by Three Rivers District Council
Byelaws (Appendix 1)
Access Free pedestrian access throughout, Public Vehicular access to the car park only.
A Way Forward
The Aquadrome is a wonderful asset for the community of Three Rivers. It provides a facility with a variety of uses, formal and informal, directly adjacent to Rickmansworth Town Centre and is available for everyone to enjoy, irrespective of background, finance, age or gender.
The site was originally quarried as part of the large industry of gravel extraction, leaving behind the large “holes” in the valley floor that are now the lakes. From this “industrial” past a future of Conservation and Recreation has been forged for the benefit of this and future generations.
The Aquadrome is situated at the northern end of the Colne Valley Regional Park, an area of land recognised to be of special value for open air recreation. Council policy requires that the Park should be protected from urbanisation and recognises the “diverse nature conservation resources of the Park”.
Adjacent to the site is the Grand Union Canal, the Rivers Colne and Chess and Batchworth Lock Visitors Centre, which is run by the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust, a voluntary organisation that brings together people who are passionate about canals, the local community, its history and environment. Through the Trust’s education programme an understanding of the history of the waterway and the natural environment is demonstrated.
The Aquadrome and adjacent sites are designated as Wildlife sites, a status that is recognised as important for Nature Conservation in the Council’s Local Plan.
The Council’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) sets out the Council’s intentions to preserve habitats and species important to the area, and the habitats within the Aquadrome offer first class opportunity to do this.
The Aquadrome is the largest of the Council owned sites in the Colne Valley, the others being relatively small woodlands.
1.2 Site Description
1.2.1 Habitats
The area is of sufficient size to enable many forms of active and passive recreation to take place, both land and water based, from picnicking and dog walking to water skiing and canoeing.
The largest habitats on the site are the two lakes (see map 1, Appendix 11). These lakes cover an area of about 18 hectares. They both have a number of birds present, although nesting is more likely to occur on the relatively undisturbed Stockers Lake. Water birds include Mallards, Swans, Canada Geese, Coots, Moor Hens, Herons and Grebes. However, it is very likely that other birds known to nest at Stockers Lake also use the lakes in the Aquadrome. The lake edges have a number of Rushes, Reeds and Iris, the banks themselves have a number of water loving plants such as Water Forget-Me -Not and Water Mint. Further onto the bank other species become apparent, such as Valerian, Pale-Flower Persicaria, Bindweed, Dock, Rose-Bay Willow-Herb and Ragwort. Dragonflies and Damselflies have been seen near the lakes including the Common Blue Damselfly (see Appendix III).
Another prevalent habitat at the Aquadrome is the Woodland areas. These areas have often been flooded and have many water tolerant native species such as Willow and Alder, and other native species including Oak, Field Maple, Elder, Ash and Holly. There are also a number of introduced species such as ornamental Acers, Sumach and non native Conifers. A number of woodland plants are present, such as Ivy, Dog Rose and Wood Avens.
There are number of grass areas that are regularly mown to keep them short. These are used for picnics and recreation. They include glades or openings in the wooded areas. In addition to grass these areas have the usual species in this type of setting such as Dandelions, Daisies and Plaintains. These areas also show evidence of Moles.
Around the mown areas and near to paths there are areas which are not mown, these rough areas tend to have longer Grass, Nettles, Brambles Thistles and Cow Parsley.
The River Colne runs adjacent to and through the site. Dragonflies and Damselflies have been seen including the Common Blue Damselfly and the Banded Damiselle. The Banded Damiselle tends to indicate clean water.
The area known as the Bury is the historical grounds of the Manor House. This has a feel of more open Parkland. It is mostly grass with specimen trees and avenues of trees, although the area between the steam and the River Colne has been allowed to overgrow and has only recently been cut back again.
1.2.2. Geology
The site is in Colne Valley, which was originally formed by glacial movement and later shaped by the action of the River Colne. This can be seen in the glacial deposits prevalent in the Drift geology of the area and the River Gravels and Alluvium (See Appendix II Map 2). These drift deposits overly Clay.
The Aquadrome site is sited on an area of Alluvium overlying River Gravels. The Lakes themselves were formed by the extraction of gravel.
1.2.3. Hydrology
The Valley runs from North-East to South-West. Water is brought to the area by the River Colne and the Grand Union Canal, but the lakes themselves are apparently fed by underground springs. There is a sluice gate between the river and Batchworth lake, but this remains close as to open it would require a licence for abstracting water from the river.
2. Leisure and Recreation
2.1. Licensees
There are a number of groups who use the lake, including clubs, charities and businesses.
Batchworth Lake is used by Waterskiers and Fishermen. Bury Lake is used for a variety of watersports including Sailing, Canoeing, Rafting and Windsurfing as well as Model Boat Sailing. These groups provide a valuable leisure opportunity for many people in the District and beyond.
The Aquadrome Licensees Forum, which meets quarterly, gives an opportunity for these groups to discuss the management of the site and any issues that arise.
The Groups using and associated with the Aquadrome are:
Bury Lake Young Mariners
This is a voluntary association and registered charity founded in 1983. The Young Mariners are a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Centre, providing inexpensive sailing courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. This group has 3500 users per year, including the Colne Valley Special Sailors disabled sailing group and the Bizzy Bees group of active retired people as well as activities in the school holidays, weekends and after school. Schools, Youth Clubs, Scouts and Guides may affiliate as groups and training is provided for their leaders. Racing takes place and the Association is a feeder to the Hertfordshire Youth Dinghy Race Squad, who represent the County at National and International events. The Young Mariners sail on Bury Lake and have use of the Boathouse and storage compound.
For further information please contact:
Young Mariners on 01923772015 or
For Sailing Courses 01442 878478 or
www.Blym.org.uk
Friends of Stocker Lake
As the name implies this group is generally concerned with Stockers Lake, which is adjacent to the Aquadrome. However they recognise that the management of the Aquadrome is likely to affect that of Stockers Lake and so take a keen interest in the Aquadrome.
For further information please call:
01923 773922
Nomad Kayak Club
The Club was established in 1973 and initially the activities revolved around pool training and canoe polo. The Club’s activities then extended to training on local canals and rivers, as well as trips away to white-water rivers and canoeing surfing locations. In the early 1980’s the disused changing rooms at Rickmansworth Aquadrome were taken over by the Club and used as a boat storage facility and Headquarters together with the rights to paddle on the lake. During the 1990’s a corner of the lake was developed for the use of canoe polo. This being the first outdoor polo pitch in the South of England.The Club continues to use this facility at the Aquadrome and changing facilities have been provided within the building. The activities are centred around the lake and surrounding weirs and rivers. Apart from this local canoeing, the Club continues to use the Watford Central Baths on a regular basis for general training and canoe polo.
For more information please visit:
www.nomadkayakclub.co.uk
Out of Town Action Sports
This is a business run to provide sports and activities, including canoeing windsurfing and rafting. Out of Town Action Sports deliver a programme of activities allowing participants the chance to enjoy the challenge and thrill of the outdoors. These activities include taster sessions to see if you enjoy a sport, a group activity day, team building and leadership development through outdoor learning - or something a bit different for a party.
For more information please call:
01923 771120
www.outoftownactionsport.com
Rickmansworth Waterski Club
Rickmansworth Waterski Club was founded in 1965 and currently has a membership of 65 with a waiting list. They are members of British Waterski, the governing body for this sport. Waterskiing on Batchworth lake is available all year, but from November through to April only at weekends and Wednesday afternoons. The club predominantly offers slalom and wakeboarding from beginner though to competition level. The club owns and operates two competition ski boats.
For further information please call:
01923 775319 (The Clubhouse) or 01442-834403 (Club Secretary)
www.rwsc.co.uk
Rickmansworth Waterways Trust
A voluntary charity based at Batchworth Lock concerned with the preservation of the Canal. Their aim is to excite and inform through the discovery of canals and boats at Batchworth Lock on the Grand Union Canal and to expose schools and the public beyond Batchworth to the environment, history and heritage of the canal.
For further information:
www.rwt.org.uk
Rickmansworth Windsurfing Club
Rickmansworth Windsurfing Club has been active for 22 years and grew from the windsurfing school on Batchworth Lake. The Club is affiliated to the RYA and hold regular activities such as racing, coaching sessions and fun days usually rounded off with a barbecue. Apart from social sailing, racing takes place every month, interspersed with coastal trips and events arranged to suit all tastes and levels of expertise. A safety/rescue boat is available at the lake, manned by club members as appropriate. The club has use of a clubhouse and extensive board storage facilities in the compound. The members have improved the clubhouse to include changing rooms, showers, a fully fitted kitchen and barbecue area.
For more information please call:
01895 674320
http://www.ricky-windsurfing.co.uk/
Swan Care
Swan Care is a voluntary service run by Lis Dorer, working to treat and care for swans needing help. She runs a sanctuary for rescued swans, working with the Police, RSPCA, RSPB and local vets surgeries to bring them back to full health.
For more details please phone:
01442 251961
Three Rivers Radio Controlled Yachting Cub
The purpose of Three Rivers Radio Yacht Club is to sail and race radio controlled yachts.
These may have a hull length of up to 1500cms and a mast height of up to 2200cms.
They are controlled by a hand held transmitter with an aerial length of up to 100cms.
Sailing normally takes place on Bury Lake usually twice a week.
For more information please call:
0208 8452607
http://www.jlmale.freeserve.co.uk/
Uxbridge Rovers
Piscatorial – The art of fishing. The fishing rights, for year round fishing, within the Aquadrome are managed by Uxbridge Rovers Angling Society. The Society, initially founded circa 1884, is probably one of the oldest of such organisations surviving in the UK today. The society is committed to promoting fishing as a low cost leisure activity available to all, youngsters, the disadvantaged, the fit and healthy, those who have retired from the stress of the daily working grind, be they of state retirement age or that modern phenomena, the young retire. In addition to the Aquadrome, the society manages local fisheries in Denham, Harefield, Uxbridge and Iver.
For further information please contact:
Secretary on 0208 4286781
www.uxbridge-rovers.fsnet.co.uk
2.2. Buildings
There are 5 buildings used for Leisure and Recreation purposes:
a. BLYM and Windsurfing (2 adjacent buildings)