Welcome

Hello and welcome to the website dedicated to sharing news and information about the restoration of the River Bulbourne through Hemel Hempstead.

“Bringing back the Bulbourne” is a partnership between the Box Moor Trust, the Environment Agency and the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project that aims to restore the river to something of its former, natural glory.

The River Bulbourne is a rare chalk stream and is listed internationally as a priority habitat for restoration. Over the centuries it has been heavily modified for local industry, the building of the canal and to drain the adjacent fields. The project aims to restore the original narrow and winding course, provide a wider range of habitats for wildlife and make it a more attractive and tranquil place for walkers on the Moors.

The Environment Agency has grant aided the project and there will be lots of opportunities for local people and lovers of the Moors to be involved; helping with hands on conservation work, wildlife recording, researching local history and developing information materials.

As the restoration gets underway, substantial work will be carried out along sections of the river’s banks and to the weir between Harding’s Moor and Bulbourne Meadow. This may appear destructive, and be somewhat disruptive, but please bear with us as this is a very necessary phase of a restoration with global significance and a lasting conservation legacy. If you would like to know more, please feel free to browse this website or visit the contact page.