Weir revival could be key to trout's return

Chesham Town Council is set to debate whether to take ownership of Lord's Mill weir, a historical structure on the River Chess

Brown trout could once again swim upstream in a river if plans to build a fish pass at a historical weir go ahead.

The weir at Lord's Mill in Chesham's River Chess, Buckinghamshire, blocks fish migration and often marks where the river dries up.

Trout have been absent upstream since a severe dry spell in 1996 and 1997.

Chesham Town Council is considering whether to take ownership of the structure, which could pave the way for restoration works.

Lord's Mill was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Though the mill is gone, its weir and sluice remain visible to those entering Chesham from Waterside.

Plans for a fish pass have been drawn up by the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project, working with Affinity Water.

The design would use the old mill channel to create a series of pools for fish to swim upstream.

Brown trout have been absent from waters above Lord's Mill since the severe dry spell of 1996 to 1997

Funding is available through the government's water industry national environment programme, with delivery expected within five years if the project goes ahead.

Ownership of the weir is currently unclear. Developers of the mill site want to hand it over as their work finishes, but options like selling it with a property could complicate future care.

The Chalk Streams Project says council ownership will ensure consistent management and allow volunteers to help with maintenance, as seen at nearby Kitty's Bridge.

A council report says the scheme supports Chesham's goal of preserving its heritage and environment.

Councillors will decide whether to take on the site, subject to further checks.