This month – ‘Dirty Business’ and making banners
MARCH marks the start of spring, when the River Severn will begin to wake and come back to life.
Many of you will have seen ‘Dirty Business ’on TV which highlighted the plight of the water industry, the lack of investment and lack of transparent data on sewage entering the waterways.
The logo of our local water company is ‘Your water – safe in our hands’ – but we know this definitely is not the case.
Severn Trent Water regularly pumps sewage into the river at times of heavy rainfall as it is legally allowed to do so, even though it is unhealthy and detrimental to human health and the river’s ecosystems. It really is a dirty business. Our River Severn is suffering.
In the coming months, people will come to the River Severn, walking, picnicking and fishing. Enjoying the nature and peace the river gives them. But our river is far from well.
The Severn is polluted and damaged, its eco system constantly under threat.
Communities Against River Pollution (a local group) is taking action by monitoring, recording and reporting on the health of the river.
This indicates declining health of the eco systems in the Severn, which, unfortunately, also show a decline in the wildlife.
Sally Blakebrough, from CARP, said: “You may have noticed on your walk along the river that waterweed (pictured above), such as the beautiful, white flowered water crowfoot is less abundant and has disappeared from many areas.
“This weed is important to the river’s life, and the creatures that call it home.
“Local anglers have reported fish sizes are reducing and people may have also noticed an increase in clumps of organic matter over the past number of years and the brown scum that clings to the bottom of boats.“
CARP is trying to protect The Severn and invites you to help too – by reporting problems in the river, by helping to organise and participate in our activities, by helping with admin or fundraising. The river needs your skills and your help.
Please email: [email protected] to get in touch with CARP.
World Water Day
CARP will be out in Bewdley on World Water Day – from 11am to 2pm next Sunday, March 22, raising awareness about some of the issues raised in ‘Dirty Business’.
Please come and talk to us and sign our petition.
River Festival – Time to get creative
We are holding a River Festival in Bewdley to celebrate the beauty and importance of the river throughout the coming summer.
There will be many activities and events, inviting public participation in the festival – art, stories, workshops and a photographic exhibition.
The first workshop is the Get Crafty For The River – a banner making workshop. Everyone is welcome and no experience – just enthusiasm – is necessary.
That takes place from 11.15am to 2pm tomorrow (Saturday, March 14) at Wribbenhall Community Centre, Shaw Hedge Road, Bewdley.
Email Hilary at: [email protected] for more information.
The Severn needs your love and help!
