West Berkshire Council's environment teams have set up a bankside no‑mow zone and riparian tree buffer along the River Lambourn at Almond Avenue Park, Shaw.
The work, done in February 2025 with the Wild Trout Trust and the Environment Agency, aims to future‑proof the chalk stream.
The River Lambourn is one of only 220 chalk streams worldwide. The Almond Avenue stretch is designated an SSSI and an SAC.
To boost resilience, 48 native riverside trees were planted in newly unmown margins - including blackthorn, alder, downy birch, bird cherry, goat willow, alder buckthorn and hawthorn - with biodegradable guards.
Mowing has changed too: a three‑metre no‑mow strip along river edges should let native vegetation thrive, giving shade and shelter for fish and invertebrates, better bank stability, food for wildlife, carbon sequestration and protection from predation.
Over time the council says the buffer will develop into valuable riverbank habitat, enhancing biodiversity and ecological stability.
"We have more exciting and impactful projects planned for next year, including the Northcroft Leisure Centre Decarbonisation Project," explained environment portfolio holder Stuart Gourley (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hall) in the strategy delivery report.
"We're also forging ahead with our roof top solar project; we have secured a four-year contract to install solar PV across council sites and schools.
"Alongside this we are progressing a significant nutrient mitigation programme in the River Lambourn catchment to stop the decline of water quality in sensitive habitats by ensuring that new developments do not increase the overall load of nutrients."
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
