This section of channel runs through predominantly floodplain grassland to the north of Chelmsford city centre. The floodplain is bordered by Essex Regiment Way to the east and by suburban Broomfield to the west, and is characterised by a sluggish, shallow channel with occasional bankside trees.
The area (land use)
The dominant land use for this stretch of river is arable, pasture and suburban.
Cattle were the main livestock recorded.
Channel characteristics
The river channel consists of mainly silt, and riffles are present.
At the time of recording the flow of water was sluggish and the channel was 2-5m wide and in depth.
For most of this stretch the channel profile is shallow becoming steep in the downstream.
Bankside trees were occasional, marginal plants and in-channel plants are frequent. Woody debris was noted to be occasional.
Engineering
The channel has been straightened and man-made enhancements are absent along this stretch of river.
Field drains were recorded as present and barriers / culverts are present in the downstream section only.
Condition
Areas of trampling / poaching were present and areas of erosion were present at the time of the survey.
Wildlife
Great Tit, Swallow, Moorhen and Chaffinch, Green Woodpecker, Pheasant and Magpie were recorded at the time of the survey.
Additional Comments
Occasional trampling and erosion problems are present along this stretch.
