North East Herts MP Oliver Heald has learned this week that Ashwell Springs will be given special protection in the Drought Plan for our area, following his representations and those of Ashwell Parish Council.
Oliver took up concerns that the Drought Management Plan needed to include improved water flows at Ashwell Springs SSSI. He immediately contacted the Minister, Richard Benyon MP, and Julia Simpson, North East Thames Area Manager of the Environment Agency, to press for action. Oliver has now heard that the Environment Agency has signed an agreement with Veolia Water and it has been agreed that augmentation at Ashwell Springs SSSI will be in the final draft plan. This will either use the Environment Agency borehole at Redlands Farm, or the Veolia Water borehole at Slip End.
The way this works is that water is discharged into a recharge well and then seeps through the aquifer into Ashwell Springs, protecting the glacial flatworms and the unique habitat at the Springs.
Commenting, Oliver Heald said, “Ashwell Springs is a marvellous environmental asset, being a chalk water spring with a unique habitat of flora and fauna. I am a strong supporter of protection for our chalk streams and have made representations at the highest level to ensure that the Drought Management Plan for our area protects Ashwell Springs SSSI, which have been threatened. It is very good news that the final Drought Management Plan is to include such provision for Ashwell. Countless generations of children and adults have enjoyed the environment there and we should not forget that England’s chalk streams are just as precious as other environmental features, such as the rainforests of Brazil.”