March 2023
Message from the Chair
It was so good to be at the recent workshop on ‘Supporting Community Action on Rivers’ held in Keynsham, and to hear about the great work being done by community groups across our catchment. It was also so helpful to learn about the range of support offered by the Rivers Trust, Wildlife Trusts, local authorities and water companies. As a result of the information gathered, we hope to be able help everyone achieve even more over the next year.
Being so close, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Keynsham Weir and learn from Simon Hunter, BART, about the exciting possibilities for easing fish passage and improving habitat in the River Chew as it flows through Keynsham Memorial Park. Potential projects such as this are only made possible through the excellent networking between partners from a wide range of organisations across the catchment.
On this same theme, I dialled into a meeting focused on the Yate area, hosted by Liz Kinsey Catchment Coordinator for the Bristol Frome. Participants came from a range of Council departments and other organisations. In a short time, so many connections were made between a wide range of projects and numerous opportunities noted both for enhanced environmental gain and saving money.
There is no doubt that frequent liaison and partnership working is paying dividends for the Bristol Avon Catchment.
Keep up the great work.
Richard Cresswell
Chair, BACP
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Catchment Partnership Fund Opening Soon
The next round of the Catchment Partnership Fund will be opening April 2023. The BACP welcomes applications to both the Main Grants and Community Fund. Full guidance on project criteria and the application process can be on the BACP website. Successful projects will be judged upon their ability to best tackle water-related issues that align with the aims set out in the Catchment Plan. The fund has previously contributed towards the development of multiple Partnership Projects and Programmes, facilitating activities such as water sampling, restoration projects, surveys and more.
We would like to thank Bristol Water, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council for their ongoing support towards the Catchment Partnership Fund.
If you would like to discuss a project idea please get in contact with us at: info@bristolavoncatchment.co.uk.
Stoke Park Community Group carrying out Dew Pond restoration.
Funded through the CPF Community Fund - 2022.
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BACP Community Action Workshop
The BACP hosted a workshop focused on Supporting Community Action for Rivers on the 7th March 2023. The workshop aimed to understand the work communities are currently delivering for the water environment, the role and resources of partners to support this, the role of citizen science and the data generated, and how we can build on the existing resource.
We gathered a lot of valuable information and outputs from the day. We will use this to inform how the Partnership best supports community action for the water environment going forwards. We will be publishing a short report on our website soon.
We would like to thank Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, Avon Wildlife Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Trout in the Trym for their presentations; Bath and North East Somerset Council for kindly providing a venue; the Natural History Consortium for aiding in organising and facilitating the workshop; and everyone who attended and contributed.
Credit: The Natural History Consortium
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Job Opportunities
- Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are looking for a Grants Officer to help financially support the charity’s ambitious growth plans.
- Closing date is 17th March, with interviews taking place 29th March
- Click here for more details
- After 33 years in the role, WWT’s Chief Executive has decided to retire. WWT are looking for a passionate team leader to help create a more sustainable future for wildlife and people.
- Closing date is 20th March
- Click here for more details
- The Environment Agency are hiring a Citizen Science Coordinator to lead and engage with their citizen science partnership working.
- The position will cover the South West and the West Midlands. The successful candidate will be based at either Kidderminster, Shrewsbury, Tewkesbury or Fradley.
- Closing date is 2nd April
- Click here for more details
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News from around the Catchment
BART River Detectives
BART have recently released their online data explorer for River Detectives which can be viewed here. Volunteers take water quality samples once a month which are uploaded to the platform.
Volunteer spaces are still available on the River Chew and the Cam and Wellow. Volunteers are provided with training and easy to use test kits.
To find out more, head to the BART website here, or contact molly@bristolavonriverstrust.org.
Phosphate Data on BART River Detectives Data Explorer in the Bristol Frome.
Local Flood Risk Management Strategy Consultation
North Somerset Council’s updated Local Flood Risk Management Strategy is public and ready for consultation. The new Strategy will set out the Council’s objectives and actions for the next ten years.
The consultation runs until Thursday 6th April. To find out more and take part in the online consultation, visit the North Somerset Council website here.
Severn Estuary Spring Clean
The Severn Estuary Spring Clean is about to begin, lasting from 17th March until 2nd April. The Severn Estuary Partnership (SEP) hosts this litter picking event annually on beaches and rivers feeding into the Severn Estuary. To find a Spring Clean near you, or to run your own visit the SEP website or, contact severn@cardiff.ac.uk.
BART Educational Resources
BART have launched their online educational resources, developed as part of the River Chew Reconnected Project, funded by the Green Recovery Challenge. Resources are aimed at school children from KS1 to KS3. The resources can be found here.
Bristol Harbour Swimming
Bristol City Council (BCC) are trailing open water swimming in Bristol Harbour. BCC are working with partners like Wessex Water to check water quality and implement additional testing to ensure it is safe before people swim. Bristol City Council are also providing life guards and safety boats. More information can be found here.
Credit: Mayor of Bristol blog
West Country Water Resources Plan
The West Country Water Resources Group (WCWRG) has released the first draft of their Regional Water Resources Plan, ready for consultation. One of five regional groups in England, the WCWRG is responsible for producing a long-term strategic plan for managing water resources in the South-West region for all water users until 2050.
The draft aims to address options relating to: environmental vulnerability; non-public water supplies; demand reduction; water stress; and new resources. To view the draft plan and consultation, visit the WCWRG website here.
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Wider News
Water for Tomorrow Conference
On Wednesday 22nd March 2023, Water for Tomorrow are hosting a conference to celebrate World Water Day, which can be attended both online and in-person. A range of topics will be discussed throughout the session, including drought monitoring, water demand, collaborative approaches to managing water resources, and more. Click here to reserve a spot.
Green Infrastructure Framework launched
In January, the Green Infrastructure Framework was launched for councils and developers across England. Developed and regulated by Natural England, the framework is a part of the Government’s 25-Year Plan, and supports the “greening” of our towns and cities and connections with the surrounding landscape. To read more, visit Natural England’s website here.
Bristol Harbour Credit: L.Penfold
Forestry Commission Map Browser
The Forestry Commission (FC) has updated their map browser with new versions of their English Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) including layers for flood risk, riparian buffers (Keeping Rivers Cool) and water quality. To view the new additions, visit the FC website here and look under the “Targeting and Scoring” section on the right.
New funding available for farmers and land managers
On 21st February 2023, it was announced that DEFRA will be delivering more than £168 million in grants to all farmers. Part of this funding is for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund under the new theme of Productivity and Slurry. The fund supports both the environment and food production, and aims to drive innovation. Farmers can apply for grants until 4th April 2023.
DEFRA will also be providing a range of capital grants for livestock keepers throughout England later this year, contributing towards improving the health and welfare of livestock. Further funding is set to be announced this year.
NFM (Natural Flood Management) Hub
On 27th February 2023, the Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) held a webinar focussed on their new Natural Flood Management (NFM) Hub, the first on this topic. The NFM Hub is a tool allowing information and data on NFM projects throughout England to be recorded and presented on a public-facing map. Visit the CaBA website here to watch the recorded webinar and find out more.
CaBa Communications Working Group
The Catchment Based Approach (CaBa) are looking for participants to become part of their new Communications Working Group. Joining would require a commitment of at least one virtual meeting per month, and an understanding or experience in communications would be ideal.
Please contact jayne.mann@theriverstrust.org if you are interested in participating.