Plans to enhance and protect a historic green space in Rickmansworth have been kickstarted by a cash injection.

The Bury Grounds Biodiversity Project, led by the Three Rivers District Council, plans to boost biodiversity at the 4.2-hectare green space, formally the grounds of Bury House.

The site includes a small river loop, Taylor's Cut, connected to the botanically diverse River Colne, created in the 1840s for barge access to the house.

Cllr Jon Tankard, lead member for climate change and sustainability, said the council wants to boost biodiversity but also make it more accessible for visitors.

The green space was formally the grounds of Bury House (Image: Three Rivers District Council)

"We will share our exciting plans with residents to ensure that everyone is informed, reassured and aware of what is happening at the Bury Grounds before any decision is made," he added.

"The council has secured funds from Grundon Waste Management, via the Landfill Communities Fund and administered by Groundwork South, to complete habitat enhancement works in the woodland and garden area.

"Affinity Water, the largest clean water supplier in the UK, is supporting the project as a part of their River Restoration Programme and the Environment Agency (EA) has also shown support for the project."

Though Bury Grounds may look small, Cllr Tankard continued, it is "an important green space that attracts a vast array of wildlife and visitors", with wetlands that also serve as a natural flood defence for Rickmansworth.