Sights of spring along a Hertfordshire waterway (Includes interview and first-hand account)

The River Lee (sometimes spelled as Lea), together with the River Stort, connects the English towns of Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford together. The rivers finally merge into the River Thames.

The section visited in this photo essay was the stretch between the village of Stanstead Abbotts and the town of Ware, in Hertfordshire. It is a great place for a healthy wander.

A woman in the distance, walking along the side of the River Lee.

Tim Sandle

The rivers are of historic importance, and Viking longships once sailed up the old River Lea over 1000 years ago. The River Lee flows through the old brewing and malting center of Ware, and consequently transport by water was for many years a significant industry based there. Barley was transported into Ware, and malt out via the river.

Various canal boats bob gently on the River Lee.

Tim Sandle

Today different types of boats can be found along the river. A varied collection are moored at the Lee Valley Marina. The marina is just north of the confluence of the Rivers Stort and Lee and is connected to the rest of the national inland waterway system by the Hertford Union Canal and the River Thames.

Two motor boats, moored near someone’s house, are representative of the types found in the marina.

Tim Sandle

Part of the marina, with a selection of boats waiting to be taken out.

Tim Sandle

The most common type of boat in the area is the canal boat (a long, narrow boat.) Sometimes the word barge is erroneously used (barges are much bigger boats, designed to transport cargo.)

A classic canal boat (or narrowboat) along the River Lee.

Tim Sandle

Some boats are quite homely, containing small gardens atop:

A slight weathered canal boat, brought to life with a small garden atop.

Tim Sandle

And little touches inside:

A peak inside one of the canal boats, where a playful puppet hangs in the window.

Tim Sandle

Locks have been along the river since the 17th century. Locks are designed to allow boats to avoid shallow stretches and to improve navigation.

A lock along the River Lee, close to Stanstead.

Tim Sandle

Stanstead Lock (Number 4) incorporates a rare example of a swing-bridge, has the reputation of being one of England’s most difficult to negotiate.

A close-up of Stanstead Lock (No. 4).

Tim Sandle

Any boat that negotiates the tricky lock is greeted with an impressive sight.

A view of the River Lee, just after lock number 4.

Tim Sandle

Alongside the lock is an old gatekeeper’s cottage. The building is impressive, and an example of Victorian brickwork.

The lock-keeper’s house is located on an island formed by a section of the River Lee Flood Relief Channel that flows through the automatic sluice gate adjacent to the lock.

Tim Sandle

Near lock number 4 is a clubhouse.

Stanstead Lock (No4) is a lock on the River Lee Navigation close to the villages of Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets.

Tim Sandle

Alongside the river, the bank is blazing with spring colors.

Bankside along the River Lee, the spring colors from bushes and berries begins to emerge.

Tim Sandle

And to odd horse or two.

Grazing horses close to the River Lee in Hertfordshire, England.

Tim Sandle

There is plenty of wildlife along the river, such as this mallard duck. The mallard is a dabbling duck. The male birds (drakes) have a glossy green head and are grey on wings and belly.

The mallard duck. The name mallard is derived from the Old French malart or mallart “wild drake.”

Tim Sandle

Another common water bird is the moorhen. These are medium-sized water birds that are members of the rail family. There are also several pairs of swans and Canada geese.

The Canada goose – a large goose, with a distinctive black head and neck and large white throat patch.

Tim Sandle

Close to the river is a nature reserve, called Amwell.

This beautiful corner of Hertfordshire has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area and a Ramsar wetland site of international importance.

Tim Sandle

Amwell Nature Reserve is situated south of Ware and is managed by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

Tim Sandle

The nature reserve is a former gravel pit in the Lee Valley near Ware. It supports internationally important numbers of wintering wildfowl, along with outstanding communities of breeding birds and of dragonflies and damselflies.

Amwell is also a brilliant place for a relaxing stroll by lakes and ponds, through open grasslands and leafy woods.

Tim Sandle

The River Lee is one of the largest rivers in London and the easternmost major tributary of the Thames.

A shot of the River Lee in springtime.

Tim Sandle

The walk along the canal is as relaxing as it is picturesque, well worth a wander if you ever visit the area.

An alternative view of the riverside.

Tim Sandle