A SPECIAL event held in Bewdley to mark World Rivers Day has been hailed a great success.
The extravaganza, endorsed by rock legend Robert Plant who lives locally, was organised by Bewdley’s Communities Against River Pollution group.
There was also a video message of support from Jim Murray MBE – actor, environmental activist and deputy chair of River Action.
More than 100 attendees crammed into Bewdley Baptist Church to hear a welcome from Bewdley Mayor, Coun Nicole Harper.
This was followed by very informative talks on the problems the River Severn (and other rivers in the UK) face with sewage spills and agricultural run off being the main source of this pollution.
Progress made
From Trevor Ponman and Roger Meade, participants learned about CARP’s progress during the last year with extra teams chemically testing the River Severn in three locations in Bewdley and two in Stourport. Those tests, along with a sewage spill alert system and invertebrate sampling, were all helping to build a picture of the high pollution levels.
CARP’s future plans involve the launch of a monthly newsletter, plus regular meetings with CARP supporters, a new River Guardian Scheme and links with other Citizen Science groups along the Severn and Stour to help achieve a whole-river perspective.
Melissa Green, CEO of the Women’s Institute, outlined how the WI had historically campaigned for clean rivers and were still at the forefront of this with them calling for bathing water designation, stronger water regulations and nature based solutions to agricultural pollution.
They are also focusing on the high level of microplastics in sewage which many attendees were keen to learn about.
Members of Bewdley WI supported CARP and provided delicious cakes and refreshments.
Richard Perrin from Bewdley Civic Society gave an engaging presentation on 150 years history of the River Severn, with some fascinating photos capturing how the river had changed over time.
Reducing pollution
Drew Richardson from River Action told all about his organisation’s campaign successes to reduce pollution in the River Wye and their successful legal challenge against the expansion of industrial chicken farms in Shropshire (one of the sources of pollution in both River Severn and Wye).
River Action is also supporting groups along the River Severn so they can exchange information and data to get a complete picture of the river.
Local Sabrina poets – with Pete Thompson, the Worcestershire Literary Champion from 2025 to 2027 – provided beautiful and moving river poetry which engaged people’s emotions and connected everyone to the river in a very meaningful way. A pamphlet of this poetry is available to buy from CARP.
Dee Edwards, CARP chair, said: “The whole day was so stimulating.
“People listened and learned and then were invited to respond with ideas.
“These ideas – captured by graphic artists and on video – will help CARP in its future planning and campaigning.
“The day also launched a new River Guardians initiative.
“We are looking for about 10 volunteers to regularly monitor specific stretches of the river, observing outfalls and possible pollution sites.
“Training will be available for these guardians.”
More volunteers are also needed to join the Campaign Against River Pollution group – World Rivers Day was a celebration of rivers and importantly a call to action.
Anyone interested should email: [email protected] for information on joining CARP or the River Guardians.
