13. West Drayton Mill

Aims: Improve wildlife corridors; Manage flow

Water body: River Colne

Project description

Lower impoundment and create bypass channel and in-channel enhancements.

The Colne at West Drayton was subject to a number of dredging works during the mid to late 1990’s, to increase the carrying capacity to cope with extra flood water resulting from the Trout Lane transfer from the Frays River. The combined effect of the impoundment of the weirs at west Drayton Mill, and the dredging works upstream of the mill, is an over-wide, slow flowing reach, with significant silt deposition. The mill weirs also act as a significant barrier to fish migration.

These factors are a negative contribution to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) status of the waterbody. Currently under WFD, this waterbody is scored as Moderate for Fish and Moderate for Flow. Without addressing the issues of Flow and fish passage, it is unlikely that this waterbody will be able to achieve ‘Good’ status or potential under WFD.

This is reflected in anecdotal evidence provided by West Drayton Angling Club, who have recorded a significant decline in angling catches since the dredging work was completed.

The draft project objectives are:

Lower weirs to restore flow, reduce siltation and improve habitat

Construct naturalistic bypass channel

Create 80m of gravel spawning ground and provide fish passage around longstanding barrier

Monitor before and after work and report on findings

Engage key stakeholders ensuring excelent communication.

Please refer to West Drayton Fish Passage Improvement Project for further information and update in 2022/23.

Project lead: Groundwork South

Project partners: Environment Agency

Contact for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Project start: 2019

Funding source: Environment Agency , Heritage Lottery Fund