hydrological

What’s new with the Woodland Path, closed since March 2024?

The report below is about the Aquadrome, from the Climate Change and Leisure Committee, held on 15th October 2025.

The Environment Agency has finally released the flood modelling on 2nd October which had delayed the completion of the Hydrological survey, which was preventing the Woodland Path from re-opening. This report says that the Hydrological survey should now be completed by the end of the 2025. But what are the next steps after that?

Read report: Supplement Supplementary papers – Rickmansworth Aquadrome Programme 15102025 1930 Climate Change

By R.D.R.A., ago

Rickmansworth Aquadrome Management Plan not fit for purpose

Message received 17 June 2025 via comment under Riverside Path topic avoided by authorities post.

I attended 3RDC’s local area forum on 4/3/25, and asked the text below. I’m unable to attend the [RDRA AGM] meeting tonight, 17/6/25;

I am speaking against the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Management Plan because it does not address the following points.

  • The Rickmansworth Aquadrome woodland path has been closed for over a year now, due to professional advice received by TRDC that says it is “unsafe”. There has been no evidence issued by TRDC to verify that statement.
  • TRDC has said the path remains closed, awaiting the issue of a hydrological report, possibly by the Environmental Agency. It is not usual for a hydrological report to take over a year to be investigated, drafted and issued.
  • The existing hydrological assets already installed in the Aquadrome – identified and located using what3words locational app, and issued to TRDC in November 2024 have not been maintained by TRDC for many years. Recent correspondence from TRDC states they are now considered no longer fit for purpose.
  • Would TRDC therefore, without further prevarication issue the supporting evidence that shows by which measure the woodland path is considered “unsafe” and how it fails to meet that measure?
  • Would they also categorically state when, and to which organisation the alleged hydrological report was commissioned, and demonstrate by what measure the existing hydrological assets are no longer fit for purpose, regardless of if they had been maintained?
  • Failure to comply with these requests will leave TRDC in an invidious position, in barring the Rickmansworth public from one of its most bio-diverse pedestrian routes for reasons that they are unable to show any supporting evidence.
  • Please overhaul the hydrological assets as previously noted; commit to maintaining them; and re-open the woodland path.

RDRA response:

Many thanks for this post. We can file a ‘Freedom of Information’ request to get TRDC to respond.

By R.D.R.A., ago

Riverside Path still closed

Message received 3rd May, 2025 – via email.

I wonder if the the association has either news or views on the closure of the riverside path at the Aquadrome? I have not seen any coverage of this on the e-new bulletins and this situation has been going on for the best part of 15 months.

Initially there was no information about why this decision had been taken. Subsequent enquiries to the responsible officer (Emma Sheridan) tell us it is H&S issues as the path has been rendered unsafe due the persistent floods. It is as you should be aware a wetland site and by its nature it floods because it part of the floodplain, so it was always the case although recent wet winters have not helped matters. Decisions as the what repairs and when it will be reopened are dependent on the outcome of independently commissioned 3rd party hydrology surveys (by the EA), and subsequent investigation work by 3RDC before a new safe pathway specification can be formulated. As matters stand the current impasse could persists for months and years.

On the face of it the decsion to close the path is reasonable and proportionate, but as many other residents will testify the current state of riverside path is no worse and arguably better that most of the other footpaths around the aquadrome site. Put simply if it is justified to close this path on H&S grounds the other paths should be closed too. They are not and there are no plans to do. No one doubts 3RDC’s competence to act to protect residents but the evidence on the ground does not match or justify what we are being told. Many individuals have explained this to 3RDC which remains steadfast in its stance. Questions have been raised in Open Council meetings and there is at least 1 expensively petition doing the rounds. What is anything is RDRA’s position on this please?

RDRA response:

Thank you for your email via our website. I fully agree with your comments about the riverside path in the Aquadrome.Unfortunately, there are no updates from TRDC regarding the completion of the hydrological survey or when the path will reopen.

The longer it stays closed, the higher the reopening costs will be. It appears that the council is not keeping residents like us informed.

I’m unsure how residents can get the council to communicate and engage with us. I welcome any suggestions you may have.

By R.D.R.A., ago