Spring eNews from the Trent catchment
Trent Rivers Trust
Together, for healthy and natural rivers in the Trent catchment.
At the beginning of April, the Environment Agency released data on sewage pollution in England and Wales. The data paints a sobering picture sparking protests on a national and local level. Nationally,?2021 saw more than 2.6 million hours of sewage pollution.?The?Rivers Trust's Sewage Map?shows that this figure lies at over a quarter of a million hours and 38,000+ spills in our catchment. The Trent Rivers Trust agrees with the government that such levels are 'unacceptable' and calls for a more ambitious stance on sewage pollution.
To achieve a more committed outcome, we want to spotlight DEFRA's current public consultation. The survey, running until?tomorrow, aims to establish if sewage pollution should be on top of the agenda.
Currently, the government wants to eliminate the ecological damage of sewage pollution by storm overflows by 2050. While we support the aim to entirely remove the ecological impact of sewage pollution, as well as, the government's preference for low-carbon nature-based solutions on a catchment level, we strongly disagree with the pace of progress and scope of plans. 2050 is too late, and the consultation's sole focus on water companies achieves too little.
The plans lack specific targets for nature-based solutions. Our rivers have been in decline for decades. The issue is broader, and so are the nature-based solutions that could tackle them. It requires a system-level perspective on drainage systems and the infrastructure that feeds into them.
Reviving the wonderful rivers at our doorstep means taking vital steps to #EndSewagePollution and advancing nature-based solutions now.
Trent Rivers Trust's largest Capital work project enters second phase
What's been done so far
What's next
In line with Natural England's nutrient neutrality guidelines, we are running a state-of-the-art monitoring programme. Findings will inform plans for an equally ambitious 4-year restoration programme in the Mease.
New bloom for the Soar
Thanks to new partnership between WWF and Botanica by Air Wick
Butterflies,?bees, and wildflowers to receive a second wind of life as communities in the Soar catchment including Leicester, Harborough, and Rutland benefit from a new 3-year partnership between WWF, Botanica by Air Wick, and the Trent Rivers Trust.
In the catchment, we have committed to restoring 272 ha of wildflower meadows in local partnership. Work will involve landowner engagement, educational programmes in urban communities and the use of traditional meadow maintenance in nature reserves.
The ￡250,000 boost in funding comes at a crucial time. 97% of wildflower meadows have been lost over the last 90 years.
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Image credit: Steve Morgan / WWF-UK
Job done - Hatchford Brook
Two weirs removed, habitat improved and a pipe dream turned into reality. Our work at Hatchford Brook enhanced watercourse access and the overall quality of a green space in need of TLC.?
Take a look at the before, after, and in-between of this river restoration project.
Welcome to the team
Project Officer - Emily Richardson
Emily has joined our busy team of Project Officers. Her expertise and enthusiasm have proved invaluable. She has been delivering top-notch work on tight deadlines.
Project Manager - Mark Hudson
Mark, an Ecologist by trade, joined Trent Rivers Trust during tree planting season. He has helped planting over 2.000 trees - it's fair to say that both new team members have hit the ground running!
Pop it in the diary
Join the National Walking Festival on a free circular walk introducing the Trent Valley Way footpath. Walk along the river, cross the?grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum, the canal towpath, and the village of Alrewas.
The?6-mile route takes about 2 hours and crosses 3 stiles.
Where and when
Alrewas Village, DE13 7EW, Village on-street parking is available