Reposted by Ver Valley SocietyGraham Knight @grahamknight10.bsky.social · 29/08/2026St Albans Swift brick policy watered down, with the addition of "such as". Was to be one of the best in the country until planning inspectors changed it at the last minute. Instead of mandating Swift bricks on all new builds, developers will be able to put forward poor alternatives or none at all 241
Reposted by Ver Valley SocietyRupert Evershed @rupertevershed.bsky.social · 05/06/2026@birdergirl.bsky.social your Wheatear Anxiety inspired my recent @vervalleysoc.bsky.social Bird Notes 🙏😃 152
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 31/05/2026We're proud of what we've achieved for the #RiverVer since 1976 and delighted that it's all been planned and delivered entirely by volunteers. Come and see us in Verulamium Park, St Albans in June: river dipping for all the family and ask us anything about the River Ver! @chilternstreams.bsky.social 010
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 30/05/2026Our volunteers love nothing more that to slip into waders and create a brash shelf or berm in the #RiverVer. What’s more, they are always keen to return months later to top up their work. On the Ver there's always so much to do that it’s Herts Rivers Week, every week! @chilternstreams.bsky.social 010
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 29/05/2026It's not always pleasant work but our volunteers are on the river in all weathers, testing the water, uncovering the issues and encouraging solutions. Phosphates, nitrates, heavy metals, sewage, sediment, E. coli, forever chemicals and many more, We are on the case! @colnecan.bsky.social 021
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 28/05/2026Every week of the year, in fine weather and foul, our volunteers are out and about checking the state of the Ver Valley walks that each include a section of the #RiverVer. riverver.co.uk/ver-valley-w... @colnecan.bsky.social @chilternstreams.bsky.social 021
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 27/05/2026Every river needs water. That's why we have been campaigning for change since 1976, when most of the #RiverVer dried up for the first time. 50yrs later, over-abstraction has been largely reversed and the Ver is looking more like the #chalkstream it once did. @colnecan.bsky.social 031
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 26/05/2026One measure of the #RiverVer health is the abundance of invertebrates living in the river. Every month a dedicated team of 20 volunteers survey nearly 20 spots along the Ver to check that all is well. @chilternstreams.bsky.social @riverflies.bsky.social 052
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 25/05/2026Our volunteers take on all sorts of tasks to ensure the River Ver and its banks remain in better shape. Collecting bags of rubbish, from cans and bottles to footballs and dog poo bags, isn't everyone's favourite job but we love our chalk stream! @chilternstreams.bsky.social 031
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 25/05/2026Whether it's a brief glimpse of a vole or signs along the bank, our volunteers record it all. This year there are 10 miles of river to check, that's 20 miles of bank! Wish us luck! @colnecan.bsky.social 021
Reposted by Ver Valley SocietyAlan Winn @alan-winn.bsky.social · 24/05/2026Good numbers of adult mayflies along the Ver at Hedges Farm this evening. Numbers into the hundreds. @vervalleysoc.bsky.social 031
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 24/05/2026On the River Ver we love to inspire the next generation of chalk stream lovers! @chilternstreams.bsky.social 020
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 18/04/2026Many thanks to the 30 volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning to do good things along the #RiverVer. From bridge clearing to water vole surveying; we love our chalk stream! @chilternstreams.bsky.social @notbourneyesterday.bsky.social 020
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 18/04/2026Schools, Scouts, Guides and more are invited to take the #RiverVer Chalk Stream Challenge! Loan kit available and special briefing for teachers and group leaders on 23 May with @chilternstreams.bsky.social. More info: www.riverver.co.uk/the-chalk-st... 020
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 04/04/2026Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the #RiverVer and its little tributary the #RiverRed. What's more, there's a wealth of wildlife and history to enjoy. We love our chalk stream! www.riverver.co.uk/walks 020
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 02/04/2026One of the most popular benches along the #RiverVer is beyond repair. It's a great spot to sit if you are walking, cycling or visiting Redbournbury Mill. All contributions to the crowdfunder for a replacement, gratefully received. www.gofundme.com/f/redbournbu... 020
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 21/12/2025The #RiverVer has had a year of challenges but our volunteers have shone through it all. The December work party of 20+ pollarded, coppiced, pruned, litter picked, sited nest boxes and more, around #Redbourn. We love our chalk stream! @colnecan.bsky.social @chilternstreams.bsky.social 010
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 24/10/2025In St Albans on Saturday? Come and see us at the Community Showcase, Oct 25, 11am-3pm in the Nave of St Albans Cathedral, Table 49. Catch up on the water quality work we're doing to protect the #riverver but ask us anything! www.stalbanscathedral.org/Event/st-alb... @chilternstreams.bsky.social 010
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 20/10/2025Our volunteers have been out on the #RiverVer in October. From repairing the willow spiling at Redbournbury Mill to retrieving rubbish from the river in St Albans, there's always plenty needs doing on a #chalkstream. @chilternstreams.bsky.social @colnecan.bsky.social 020
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 16/08/2025A final #BalsamBash of the season on the #RiverVer supported by 29 of our volunteers. Thanks to one and all, we've combed every inch of the infested banks at least twice. We'll be ready again in 2026! #INNS @chilternstreams.bsky.social @colnecan.bsky.social 041
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 14/08/2025It's moments like these that keep us going - a water vole on the #RiverVer, on a recent summer evening. We love our chalkstream! 032
Reposted by Ver Valley SocietyNot Bourne Yesterday @notbourneyesterday.bsky.social · 01/08/2025Have you taken our survey yet? 🤔 And if not, why (Wye!) not 🤔 Take our survey to add your voice to the story of the ancient and extraordinary story of the Chilterns chalk streams! (And be entered into our £50 voucher prize draw!) Link in bio! @heritagefunduk.bsky.social @chilternsnl.bsky.social 022
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 26/07/2025Many thanks to our volunteers for another thorough #balsambash. Much Himalayan Balsam removed and Purple Loosestrife planted. The #RiverVer chalk stream is all the better for it. @chilternstreams.bsky.social 071
Reposted by Ver Valley SocietyChilterns Chalk Streams Project @chilternstreams.bsky.social · 22/07/2025Great opportunity to join the @chilternsnl.bsky.social team but you’ll have to be quick there are just 2 days left to apply!! www.chilterns.org.uk/jobs/adminis...chilterns.org.ukAdministration OfficerThis role provides a rare and exciting opportunity to join a multi-disciplinary team working in one of the country’s finest and most accessible protected landscapes. 022
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 18/07/2025A staggering rise in serious pollution incidents comes as no surprise to the people and wildlife along the #RiverVer. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukSerious water pollution in England up 60%, government saysLast year had the highest number of pollution events by water companies ever recorded. 020
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 06/07/2025Care and attention was devoted to the #RiverVer last Friday, with the help of some brilliant corporate volunteers from AMD. Himalayan Balsam was removed and waders donned waders for the first time to thin the overhead willow canopy. @chilternstreams.bsky.social @colnecan.bsky.social 041
Reposted by Ver Valley SocietyVer Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 10/06/2025Join us at 7.30pm, Tues 17 June, St Stephen Parish Centre AL2 3PJ. FREE meeting, all welcome. Guest speaker Dr Julie Battersby will tell us about toads; there'll be updates on the state of the #RiverVer & plenty of time for sewage, planning, nature & more. riverver.co.uk/open-meeting... 022
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 10/06/2025Join us at 7.30pm, Tues 17 June, St Stephen Parish Centre AL2 3PJ. FREE meeting, all welcome. Guest speaker Dr Julie Battersby will tell us about toads; there'll be updates on the state of the #RiverVer & plenty of time for sewage, planning, nature & more. riverver.co.uk/open-meeting... 022
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 12/05/2025Final call! Join us this Thursday and support our efforts to revive the Ver. bit.ly/3PwKPh7 010
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 28/04/2025It doesn't really need a test to prove that the #RiverVer below Markyate sewage works is in a dire state. 3275hrs of continuous sewage since Dec 2024 & there's an E. coli level of 20,000 colonies per 100ml - more than 20 times the poorest bathing quality limit. #GreatUKWaterBlitz 032
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 26/04/2025There's nothing more rewarding than when 20 volunteers turn up to show to give the #RiverVer a bit of TLC on an April weekend. Light let in, rubbish removed, soul refreshed. We love our chalk stream! @chilternstreams.bsky.social @colnecan.bsky.social 041
Reposted by Ver Valley SocietyVictoria Collins MP @victoria-collins.bsky.social · 24/04/2025Yesterday, I raised concerns about Markyate Sewage Works in Parliament to highlight the 3,000 hours of continuous overflow polluting our chalk streams. I am pushing for blue flag status to hold water companies accountable. Our environment needs protection. 062
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 16/04/2025Another unwanted and unbelievable milestone passed today - 3000 hours of continuous sewage have been discharged directly into the #RiverVer chalk stream since December 12th 2024. No rain or snowmelt - see you in court? @chilternstreams.bsky.social @colnecan.bsky.social 184
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 12/04/2025Taking advantage of the long dry spell, our volunteers have been out taking samples from the #RiverVer to compare results with the times when road runoff is in full flow. 040
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 06/04/2025Many thanks to our volunteers for putting on a morning show for the wonderful Wild About Redbourn group. Plenty of chat about the local #RiverVer and #RiverRed plus chalk streams and the wildlife they support. @chilternstreams.bsky.social @alan-winn.bsky.social 040
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 02/04/2025Our enthusiastic volunteers have been in the Flamstead area. A quick stop to be reminded of just how awful the sewage in the #RiverVer remains below Thames Water's Markyate Sewage Works: 2675 hours non-stop since Dec 24. Then on to some channel work to free the flow! @chilternstreams.bsky.social 083
Reposted by Ver Valley SocietyDaisy Cooper MP 🔶 @libdemdaisy.bsky.social · 01/04/2025🚨 Recent data shows Thames Water dumped sewage into England’s waterways for a whopping 298,081 hours in 2024 ‼️ And there’s been continuous discharges into the #RiverVer since December 2024. ✍️ @victoria-collins.bsky.social and I have called on the Environment Agency to urgently intervene. 12911
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 31/03/2025Join us at a fund-raising performance of An Enemy of the People at the Abbey Theatre, St Albans, Thurs 15 May 2025, 7.30pm. Tickets £15 +booking fee. Book here: bit.ly/3PwKPh7 We've had enough of sewage in the #RiverVer help us put the sparkle back into our chalk stream. @chilternstreams.bsky.social 032
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 27/03/2025The #RiverVer hasn't had a day in 2025 without sewage discharging into the headwaters. Thanks to Jonah Fisher and BBC Breakfast for highlighting the 40-year blight of Thames Water's Markyate Sewage Treatment Works (sic). @colnecan.bsky.social @chilternstreams.bsky.social 083
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 12/03/2025Unhappy Anniversary! Today, marks 3 months of continuous sewage discharges from Thames Water's Markyate STW. Contrast the sparkling chalk stream water our volunteers tested above the works, compared with the dead brown stream below. riverver.co.uk/never-ending... @chilternstreams.bsky.social 064
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 26/02/2025All welcome at our open meeting on Thurs 27 Feb! @colnecan.bsky.social @chilternstreams.bsky.social 032
Reposted by Ver Valley SocietyColneCAN @colnecan.bsky.social · 21/02/2025Find out more here about river improvements at Riverside Way #StAlbans on the #RiverVer to address issues including overshading, low energy flow and bank erosion. Project lead @HertsCC CMS partner @vervalleysoc.bsky.social colnecan.org.uk/index.php/th... 152
Ver Valley Society @vervalleysoc.bsky.social · 20/02/2025Open Meeting Thurs 27 Feb 7.30pm, Redbourn Village Hall, AL3 7LW. Latest news on #RiverVer water quality, sewage & wildlife + guest speakers Nick Marriner & Melinda Dresser of Chilterns National Landscape with Conservation on the Chilterns Chalk. Details: bit.ly/3QqhzsT 062