Essex Rivers Hub

A meandering stretch of river in between two road bridges to the south of the Essex Way at Fordham. This is a relatively well wooded section, adjacent to rough grassland alongside the channel.

The area (land use)

The dominant land use for this stretch of river is rough grassland.

No livestock were recorded.

Channel characteristics

The river channel consists of mainly silt, and riffles are absent.

At the time of recording the flow of water was sluggish and the channel was 2-5m wide and 1-2m in depth.

For most of this stretch the channel profile is steep.

Bankside trees were abundant, marginal plants and in-channel plants are frequent. Woody debris was noted to be frequent.

Engineering

The channel has not been straightened and man-made enhancements are absent along this stretch of river.

Field drains were recorded as present and barriers / culverts are absent.

Condition

Areas of trampling / poaching were present and areas of erosion were present at the time of the survey.

Wildlife

Water voles and otters are known to be present along this stretch and kingfishers have also been sighted here.

Additional comments

A nice stretch of river, but showing signs of trampling and erosion along the banks in places.

• < River Colne walkover map
• < River Colne walkover list

RBD/catchment/river/tributary

River Colne

Date completed

May-12

Upstream Grid ref

TL9202027113

Downstream Grid ref

TL9293127082