| The Chess |
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| The River Chess, which runs along one side of the Estate, has been recognised as a chalk stream of European significance. Established footpaths through the fields and woods of the Estate lead down to the Chess Valley and link up with the Chess Valley Circular Walk which guides ramblers through glorious scenery and highlights certain river activities. |
| The view from the community woodland down to the Chess Valley. |
| The Estate meets the Chess by a footbridge popular for playing �Pooh Sticks� and a pretty picnicking spot that is particularly popular during the summer months. |
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| Fishing for tiddlers in the Chess |
| Restoring the River Bank |
| In recent years the river bank and the meadow near the bridge have become sadly neglected. Nettles have encroached on the picnic area, the bank has become eroded to a series of muddy bays, trees have fallen and scrub and bramble grown. The Countryside Management Service of Herts County Council, with help from the Partnership's volunteers have started to repair this damage. Three Rivers DC have included reghular cutting of the nettles into the management scheme, and already grass is starting to replace the discouraged nettles. Rolls of coir have been grafted into the bank, and a new pebbly beach formed, so that the stream again follows its previous course, the banks will be welcoming to the Water Vole, and the beach to paddling feet. Families once again can enjoy sunny picnics by the river. Dead branches of willow have been removed, and the Working Party has planted fresh withies along the bank. |