Reviving the River Gade: Chalk stream restoration in Gadebridge Park
A rare chalk stream in the heart of a public park has been brought back to life. Our work on the River Gade restoration is helping to rewild the channel, improve habitats, and make nature more accessible to the community, all while building resilience to climate change.
- Location: Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead
- Client: Environment Agency
- Services: Environment and Sustainability
Restoring a rare chalk stream in an urban park
The River Gade, a globally rare and valuable natural chalk stream, has been classified as having a ‘Poor Ecological Status’ where it runs through Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead. This is partly due to its artificially straightened channel, as well as a weir and other historic in-channel structures that act as barriers to fish and low flows. This stretch of the river has been restored at Gadebridge Park, with a JBA-designed scheme to naturalise the watercourse channel and improve habitats. The scheme also offers the public opportunities to experience the river and learn about its wildlife.
Planning for habitat recovery and public access
Our Planning Team prepared and submitted the planning application and led the resolution of consultee concerns during the determination period. This involved compiling information, coordinating internal teams, communicating with the client, and having meetings with the council's planner and statutory consultees. All efforts were made to ensure that the revised designs were suitable for the setting and purpose of the development site, which is owned by the council. The final design included two footbridges to facilitate greater access to nature within the park.
Nature-led design with lasting benefits
We successfully negotiated the reduction of the number of pre-commencement conditions and secured planning permission at committee. Construction began in Autumn 2024 and was completed in Spring 2025. Now complete, this project will provide natural flood management to improve resilience to climate change, improve habitat for species such as water vole that live in and around chalk streams, and provide opportunities for people to get closer to the river and enjoy nature.
Interested in how our work supports nature-based solutions and community-focused design? Want to know more about this project? Get in touch to find out more here.
