June 2024
Words from the Chair
At last we are beginning to experience some warmer summer days. Although this is a pleasant change, it is not taking long for river levels to drop significantly, with consequent problems for aquatic life. Increased hard surfaces in urban areas and compaction of soils in rural areas results in rain running off quickly rather than soaking into the ground where it falls - this means higher flood flows and then less water to slowly drain into rivers to maintain flows in drier periods. This is an issue that the BACP will focus on over the next year.
Looking at the impacts of low flows and pollution is critical, and that is why we fully support the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz. Getting hundreds of volunteers to sample their local rivers is a great way to draw attention to the issues that need solutions urgently.
It is good to see so many of our partner NGOs making a clear case for the environment and nature to the full range of candidates for the forthcoming election.
BACP Independent Chair: Dr Richard Creswell MBE
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Bristol Avon RiverBlitz
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is excited to announce the dates for the annual Bristol Avon RiverBlitz. From July 5th to July 12th, 2024, we invite everyone in the Bristol Avon area to participate in sampling your local rivers, streams, and ditches.
BART believe that understanding the true state of our rivers requires evidence. To support existing data sets and help fill in the gaps in data across the Bristol Avon, BART have partnered with volunteers to collect data on river health. The Bristol Avon RiverBlitz plays a key role in this effort, enabling extensive data collection over a short period.
During the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz, volunteers gather nutrient data and document observations at their chosen sampling sites. This data significantly enhances our knowledge of local rivers. The information collected by dedicated volunteers helps to identify pristine waters, pinpoint pollution hotspots, and provide a comprehensive overview of water quality and river health. The data from this event, along with previous years, is available on our website: Bristol Avon RiverBlitz.
The RiverBlitz is also a fantastic way for volunteers to connect with nature, explore nearby rivers, and get to know the vibrant wildlife that inhabits these areas.
Simon Hunter, CEO of BART, shared his thoughts: "The RiverBlitz is a wonderful opportunity for people to get actively involved in monitoring their local watercourses. It helps us better understand the condition of our water environment and guides future protection efforts. The data collected by our volunteers allows us to identify areas most at risk and determine where management and restoration efforts will be most effective. Our volunteers are part of a growing citizen science movement that underscores the importance of local stewardship in safeguarding our valuable freshwater resources and ecosystems."
Join BART: If the RiverBlitz sounds like something you’d like to be part of, make sure to sign up before July 1st to receive your free water quality testing kit in time for RiverBlitz week. The kit includes everything you need to conduct a RiverBlitz at your chosen river site, along with detailed instructions on how to accurately collect your data. To register for the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz 2024, please follow this link: https://bristolavonriverstrust.org/riverblitz/register
BART will also be hosting two in person events where participants can if they wish, collect their kits and learn how to undertake sampling in person. Details for the events are located on our registration page.
Join hundreds of other volunteer citizen scientists across the Bristol Avon river catchment as we work together to better understand and protect the health of our rivers!
Acknowledgements: BART extend their heartfelt thanks to the Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership, Bristol Airport Community Fund, Schroder Charity Trust, Frognal Trust, Pilning & Severn Beach Parish Council, Avon Wildlife Trust, and the Big Give for generously funding this year’s event.
Photo credits: Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
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Catchment Partnership Fund
Projects Funded in May 2024
If you have a project idea in mind or any questions about the CPF please contact: info@bristolavoncatchment.co.uk.
We would like to thank Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, Bristol Water, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council, for contributing to the Catchment Partnership Fund this year.
Volunteers, led by River Frome Reconnected and Avon From partnership, after carrying out a river clean in the Upper Bristol Frome - funded by the Catchment Partnership Fund in 2022
Community Grant Scheme - Successful Projects
St Anne’s Wood Brook Side Walk - Friends of St Anne’s Wood
The aim of this project is to install an interpretation board in St Anne’s Wood. The board will include a map of the Brook Side Walk, telling a story around Brislington Brook within St Anne’s Wood area. It will illuminate the water species in the brook, highlighting the flora and fauna in the surrounding woodland and emphasising the significance of the water species found in the river. It will draw attention to the fact that St Anne’s Wood is a wildlife corridor, providing essential light and dark habitat within an otherwise urban area.
WaterSpace Volunteers- Removing rubbish, debris and silt from tributaries and culverts feeding into the River Avon - WaterSpace Volunteers
This project is aiming to clear all the tributaries and culverts, along the River Avon, from Pulteney Weir to Hanham, to improve the flow and access for fish and wildlife. Due to the increased rainfall over the last year the River Avon has been closed due to flooding for a long period of time and there has been extensive damage to the infrastructure and consequently extensive silting and blockages of the water flow.
This project will be supported by the Canal and Rivers Trust (CRT) Ecologists and the CRT Fisheries Team. The project will deliver benefits to the local wildlife and anglers; ongoing litter and debris removal will help to provide a healthier blue space for local residents and wildlife to enjoy.
Main Grant Scheme - Successful Projects
Bristol Avon Invasives Project - Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) has a long history of delivering invasive non-native species (INNS) control within the county. This project will be led by the Water Team within WWT and carry out river bank surveys to collect up to date data. Where practical, removal and control of priority INNS plants currently growing along the Bristol Avon and its tributaries will be implemented.
In conjunction with the INNS plant control, a monitoring programme will be introduced for American Mink (Neovision vision), engaging with farmers, landowners, fishing clubs and other stakeholder groups to help identify and map the presence of American Mink across the catchment. Raising awareness of American Mink is important to help inform, educate and gain a greater understanding of the current population and will provide baseline information to inform future control of this species.
River Frome Fish Recovery Action Plan - River Frome Reconnected
The Bristol Avon Fish Recovery Strategy, published in 2023, recommended undertaking a prioritised Fish Recovery Action Plan for the priority sub-catchments within the wider Bristol Avon. Following the successful development of the Chew Valley Fish Recovery Action Plan, the learning and approach developed will be applied in the Bristol Frome sub-catchment.
The Fish Recovery Action Plan will identify a list of opportunities to strategically improve the River Frome for fish. It will include reach-scale opportunities, including high level costings to undertake each measure as well as next steps to progress action.
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Catchment news
England’s Regulatory Framework
Consultation on Chippenham Radial Gate
Installed in the 1960s, the radial gate is reaching the end of its lifespan and in more recent years has become increasingly problematic; in October 2023, prior to Storm Ciaran, the radial gate became stuck, putting the town centre in risk of flooding.
The EA proposals include replacing the gate with rock weirs, which will help boost biodiversity, reduce the risk of flooding, and will be passable for fish and mammals. In addition, the proposals by Wiltshire Council include improving blue green infrastructure and biodiversity in Chippenham.
Two separate consultations were run, one by EA, and one by Wiltshire Council. To see the proposals please see the following two websites:
- Chippenham River (chippenhamavonproject.com)
- Consultation on the Chippenham Avon Project - Wiltshire Council.
Photo credit: Environment Agency
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Wider news
30 Days Wild
Run by The Wildlife Trust, 30 Days Wild is celebrating its tenth anniversary this June.
A nationwide event, the 30 Days Wild challenges people to try one “random act of wildness” every day, for thirty days in June. The event is available for all, including schools, care homes, businesses, families and individuals.
For more information, visit the Wildlife Trusts website here.
Vote for Rivers at the Upcoming General Election
In the run up to the general election on July 4th, the Rivers Trust have provided a list of questions you may wish to ask local candidates and some suggested actions individuals can take to help understand how candidates will take action and help protect waterways if elected.
To read more, visit this article by the Rivers Trust here.
