Ver renaissance
Verulamium Park derives much of its character from its water-features. The view to the Abbey over the lakes affords one of the finest vistas in St Albans. And the Ver, which feeds the lakes, is valued as one of the world’s rarest and most endangered habitats: the chalk stream, a precious wonder of which we are custodian for future generations.
Closer inspection of this bucolic scene reveals that all is not well in paradise. The lakes were created 80 years ago and the works entailed shifting the River Ver from its natural path – a design that would not be allowed today. Low volumes of water-flow have exacerbated inherent silting problems which are now manifest: residents and visitors may encounter unsightly mud, unpleasant smells and dead wildfowl.
A major scheme to improve Verulamium Park’s artificial lakes and an adjoining meadow was approved by the St Albans City and District Council (SADC) Public Realm Committee on Tuesday, January 28 2025. SADC owns the park and has been working with partner organisations, including the Environment Agency and the HCC-sponsored Countryside Management Service (CMS) on a project to revitalise the River Ver as it flows through central St Albans and to consider problems such as silting-up of the lakes and persistent flooding in Bell Meadow – the section between the boating lake and St Michael’s Street.
Reinstating the path of the Ver is not an option now, on cost grounds. Instead, the new project will create wetlands, nature walks, and plant beds to enhance biodiversity and water quality. A key feature will be the dredging of the heavily silted lakes, with the silt recycled to form fertile planting areas around the edges. There will be a permanent raised footpath through the wetlands.
This is a long-term project and it will be several years before everything is finished. You can find more information about the plan and other areas and actions for Verulamium Park in the CMS/SADC Greenspace Action Plan 2024-2029.
Revitalising the River Ver
The River Ver, one of only 200 chalk streams in the world, flows from the Chiltern Hills south through St Albans and joins the River Colne near Bricket Wood. It enjoys a unique, biodiverse ecosystem because of the clear, chalk-filtered water and its stable water temperatures. The Ver should be a wildlife rich, stress-free environment for the whole community to enjoy. Today, more than ever, the River Ver is under threat.
St Albans City and District Council has a Councillor-led working party focused on revitalising the River Ver. It aims to bring back a more natural chalk river, more resilient to climate change and better able to support biodiversity and restore the natural heritage of St Albans. The project team publishes regular updates on progress.
The Ver Valley Society
The Ver Valley Society exists to protect and promote all aspects of the River Ver and its valley. It organises walks, volunteering events and events to protect and promote the river Ver.