There has been a lot in the news recently about the condition of our rivers. We are very lucky to have the beautiful Wellow Brook on our doorstep… it’s not only a haven for wildlife, but also a recreational resource for anglers, kayakers and swimmers.

The quality of the water is vital for the wildlife, and also for other (human) users! The good news is that we can all play a part in understanding and improving the quality of our local river.

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) will be running their annual WaterBlitz event this summer and are seeking river enthusiasts to take part.

Between 9th – 12th July, BART aim to collect as many samples from the rivers, streams and lakes of the Bristol Avon catchment to help gain a snapshot of water quality.

BART will supply free water testing kits to volunteers which will measure nutrient levels in a water sample taken from a chosen waterbody. In high concentrations nutrients can impact the local wildlife which depends on a healthy river. The presence of these nutrients may indicate a pollution event nearby or ongoing issues from land management, sewage outfalls or urban pressures. The results will help BART target their ongoing conservation work.

George Clark, BART Project Manager, said: “Rivers and streams are the arteries of our planet but they face serious challenges. Within the Bristol Avon catchment we often see nutrient pollution entering watercourses and degrading these important ecosystems and impacting the species that inhabit them. Therefore it is increasingly important to carry out monitoring and work together for rivers.”

“The WaterBlitz is a great opportunity to get back outside after months of lockdown and connect with your favourite local river or newly discovered stream. Volunteers can take an active, and socially distant role in scientific monitoring, helping us understand the water quality issues in our communities and help us protect our precious rivers.”