This is the 12th month of water testing. One year in and this quote partly sums up where we are as a group and all the preparation that has to be done to get to the next stage.
“BVAR is coming of age and moving from infancy into the next phase, taking steps into being self-sufficient and stand on its own two feet. I believe others will step forward as we empower them to be part of an active team working to stop the harm to our rivers and wildlife and protect all going forward. There is a lot of passion and skills in our group. It can all be put to good use.”
Several volunteers met yesterday to discuss future plans – One thing is for sure – the group has the determination, ambition, skills and drive to take the group forward.
Volunteers, step by step, continue to improve their skills and develop more knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that volunteers are not dropping off – they are sticking with the program which shows credit to the main organisers. As well as the river watch testing for phosphates, nitrates and turbidity we now have more yellow box testing going on and more river fly testing happening. Plus some questioning going on about the water quality coming from Farnborough Airfield.
The River Blackwater
The amount of life in the river very much depends on whether up or downstream from a sewage treatment works. Tices Meadow and Aldershot Park are upstream of any sewage works.
The Lakeside and Hollybush sites although looking lush are fairly lifeless according to River Watch
Still to receive the details for Sandhurst Sewage works but verbal feedback gives cause for concern.
A couple of quotes from the Blackwater Volunteers:
“Tice’s water test all clear for Nitrates and phosphates today, although turbidity at 25 (river was very low but flowing nicely)”
“Results from Moulsham Bridge, Moor Green, Finchampstead this afternoon. Highest ever Phosphate reading.”
Cove Brook
Cove Brook rises in the airfield and feeds into the Blackwater at Hawley. After leaving the airfield the brook flows through Southwood Country Park, West Heath Estate, and Cherrywood Ward. The phosphate and nitrate results are healthily low but there is little sign of nature – fish, frogspawn, ducks and the like. River fly testing also shows that the substrate is fairly devoid of inveterbrates that would support a healthy food chain. BVAR are concerned that contaminants are entering the water course from Farnborough Airfield and are investigating further. Here are some pictures showing Cove Brook a short distance from the airfield – where BVAR have an accessible view.
The suspect chemicals are PFA’s The link to a government site gives further detail.
The River Hart
Crondall Village Pond, the actual source of the River Hart is never without a story
“Algae in Crondall village pond 75 on turbidity scale”
On a cheerier note this cased caddis fly video from the River Hart is a joy to watch.
The Whitewater
Less information to report from the Whitewater our one chalk stream. We will try to catch up with them next time.