How did your volunteering role come about?

I’ve always been interested in the outdoors and the environment, for example, bird watching. I moved to Wheathampstead in 2010 and got in touch with the Parish Council regarding the stewardship of the open spaces in the parish. I then wrote an Open Spaces Management Policy, which proposed a system of rangers to look after the various open spaces. At that point I bagged the role of ‘Meads Ranger’ for The Meads, which is an area of open, public land with the Upper River Lea running through it. I’ve been a member of the Trust for many years so I approached them for advice about the river. Six months later, the Trust’s Conservation Manager, Tim Hill, approached me and asked whether I’d like to look after a three and a half mile stretch of the Upper River Lea as a volunteer River Champion for the Trust. So, since 2012, “I keep an eye on the river” between Castle Farm on the Lower Luton Road through to the Brocket Estate.

Tell us about becoming River Champion?

When I began in 2012, I spent the first year getting to know all the riparian landowners on this stretch of river. My aim is to visit every one of those, which equates to about a dozen access points varying from the bottom of a garden to more of a walk, once a month. I walk up and down the river in all weathers and generally keep an eye on it. 

I congratulate the landowners who are doing a good job and provide advice and insights where I can. I deal with obstructions, such as fallen trees, and, where the river bank has eroded carry out spiling – a traditional method of driving in upright stakes, which are then interweaved with Willow to stabilise the river bank. This has been hugely successful in The Meads, part of the Wheathampstead Open Spaces initiative.

PR is a crucial part of the role of River Champion. I draw people’s attention to the river by giving talks at local schools and voluntary groups and writing articles for the Parish magazine, so local residents are encouraged to take pride in the river, to learn about the wildlife, and to let me know if there is a problem.  

How does the role benefit you?

I enjoy being out of doors, listening, looking and seeing - and seeing change over time. The cycle of the year is amazing. Even at my age, spring is still extraordinary!

How do you feel about the Water Vole reintroduction on the Upper Lea?

I feel very optimistic, I’m very familiar with the stretch of river, it’s perfect habitat. 

For more information about volunteering opportunities with the Trust click here.