Volunteers will wade into a "dirty and unkempt" river in Watford as part of a long-running project to restore it.

Staff and volunteers came together on Tuesday, February 13, to mark a milestone in the 10-year 'Rediscovering the River Colne' scheme.

The project aims to make physical changes to the river that will improve the landscape for wildlife and visitors.

Watford Observer: The project aims to tackle the idea the River Colne is dirty, inaccessible, unkempt and of low wildlife value.The project aims to tackle the idea the River Colne is dirty, inaccessible, unkempt and of low wildlife value. (Image: Simon Jacobs Photography)

In the latest phase, set to be completed by March 15, environmental charity Groundwork East and volunteers will enter the river to create low banks and flow deflectors to replicate its natural bends and slow the water’s flow.

Watford Observer: Volunteers were joined by Liberal Democrats councillor Ian Stotesbury and Watford mayor Peter Taylor.Volunteers were joined by Liberal Democrats councillor Ian Stotesbury and Watford mayor Peter Taylor. (Image: Simon Jacobs Photography)

On Tuesday, the volunteers were joined by Liberal Democrats councillor Ian Stotesbury and Watford mayor Peter Taylor, and they spent the day preparing tree material for future works.

'Rediscovering the River Colne' was jointly funded by Grundon Waste Management, the Environment Agency and Affinity Water.

The council is also running the 'Tales of the River' initiative in 2024 to explore the Colne's heritage.

Funding worth £246,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will be used to organise tours for schools on its historical significance and a podcast series to uncover the river's secret treasures.