Three Rivers Project

Did you know that England’s rivers are massively falling behind in terms of recommended water quality?

Even in West Devon, not an area which would normally spring to mind when thinking of pollution, there are issues with our rivers and streams.

The Westcountry Rivers Trust, a registered charity, currently has an action plan to deal with just a few of the watercourses identified as needing help - the rivers Lumburn, lower Tavy and Walkham - through its Three Rivers Project.

The trust is delivering the project in partnership with a number of other organisations, including the Environment Agency, Dartmoor National Park and the Forestry Commission

The three rivers waterbodies consist of primarily agricultural land, where multiple sources of pollution, particularly phosphate enrichment, are contributing to failures as reflected in the EU’s Water Framework Directive.

Farming practices may be the cause in some cases, but others are also being identified, such as small rural communities outgrowing old drainage infrastructure.

With money drawn down through the Catchment Partnership Action Fund, the trust is able to offer free help and advice on all aspects of agricultural practice to farmers and landowners in areas through which the rivers Lumburn, Tavy and Waltham flow.

Free soil sampling is also available through the trust.

The trust says in addition, anyone living or running a business in the area who are not on mains drainage could also be unintentionally affecting river water quality. Even misconnected drainage, such as sinks or washing machines plumbed into surface water pipes, can have impacts on river water quality. The trust is offering free advice on these aspects too.

Hazel Kendall, head of land at the Westcountry Rivers Trust, said: ‘We would be really pleased to hear from any farmers or landowners in this area that are looking for support and also anyone who has their own private water supply.’

‘It’s all driven by water quality - the EU set standards and we are massively under what we should be achieving at the moment. Only something like 17% of our rivers are at good ecological status currently - what the Three Rivers Project is trying to do is help improve the levels of pollution by raising awareness.

‘If anybody would like to get involved in monitoring water quality in this area, we would love to hear from them too,’ said Hazel.

For more information, please call the Westcountry Rivers Trust on 01579 372140 or email 3rivers@wrt.org.uk

To find out more about the work of the charity, go to www.wrt.org.uk