Plans to boost biodiversity and revitalise a wetland in Cassiobury Park are taking shape, with work starting on the restoration project to transform a nature reserve.

The restoration of the watercress beds, which have slowly declined over the years, continues apace, with councillors and partners coming together to discuss the works in the nature reserve on Monday.

Volunteers and councillors were joined by Watford mayor Peter Taylor and project partners Friends of Cassiobury Park and Community Connection Projects CIC.

Watford Borough Council says the project will transform the area into a valuable wetlands habitat and increase floodwater storage on the floodplain of the River Gade.

Watford Observer: Cassiobury wetlands before restorationCassiobury wetlands before restoration (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Reed beds, tree planting and a wildflower meadow will complement the water attenuation features and together create a range of habitats that boosts local biodiversity.

Works will include the removal of silt from the beds themselves, reopening the river inlet and clearing the feeder channels and exit into the river. There will be viewing screens at intervals along the edge.

The restoration will return the watercress bed to a wetland habitat for birds, like snipe and green sandpiper and for insects and crustaceans, such as fresh water shrimp.

Watford Observer: Peter Jenkins, left, from Friends of Cassiobury Park pictured with Watford mayor Peter TaylorPeter Jenkins, left, from Friends of Cassiobury Park pictured with Watford mayor Peter Taylor (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Peter Jenkins, chairman of the Friends of Cassiobury Park, said: "With their chalk and gravel base, the beds are a very special place for wildlife and biodiversity. This new wetland in Cassiobury Park will provide a much-needed home for wildlife and will bring back a large unused open space for everyone to view and enjoy.

"It will also relieve flooding elsewhere in the park by restoring part of the flood plain that has been missing for some time. Working with nature, rather than against it, is sustainable both in terms of cost and environmental impact."

Watford Observer: Cassiobury Park Nature ReserveCassiobury Park Nature Reserve

Mr Taylor added: "The Cassiobury wetlands restoration project is an exciting scheme and fantastic example of how we are improving and enhancing our open spaces and making them more accessible.

"Projects like these help make our town a greener and more sustainable place for residents to live."