Here at BART we know that everything we do to try and improve the rivers and streams within the Bristol Avon catchment area is limited by and entirely dependent on the quality of the water within them. That water is – like air and soil – a critical part of our environment. We need to do all we can as a Society to look after it both now and into the future. We should not take it for granted even though with our busy lives it is so easy to do so.
There has been huge press and media coverage of some parts of the challenge to protect the quality of water in our rivers. Much of this has been emphasising the critical contribution that the Water Industry and agriculture must play if we are to protect this vital natural resource. Without leadership from government however this contribution may lack the impetus and financial encouragement required to make a difference. The bill being launched by MP Phillip Dunne offers some hope of providing that leadership.
BART are pleased to be spending more time on water quality issues in the coming year with local partners and via existing projects on the Congresbury Yeo, Somerset Frome, River Marden, Wellow and Cam and River Chew. We will also be expanding our Waterblitz activities to engage as many communities as possible in this vital aspect of our work. Look out for opportunities to get involved via our website and social media feeds.
The Rivers Trust along with a consortium of NGOs, prominently Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) and the Angling Trust, along with academics, supported the drafting of the Private Members Bill. It will be read in Parliament on Nov 13th and the Rivers Trust will be collaborating closely with SAS to encourage the public to contact their MPs. You can find the press release here.
We urge you to also do your bit to support the bill by writing to your MP and asking them to support MP Phillip Dunne. To help assist with this we’ve provided a template letter below:
Dear XXXXXX
As my local MP for XXXXXX, I wish to draw your attention to the problems regarding the health of our local rivers – the lifeblood of our city and planet. There has been recent press and media coverage of some parts of the challenge to protect the quality of water in our rivers. Much of this has been emphasising the critical contribution that the Water Industry and agriculture must play if we are to protect this vital natural resource. However, without leadership from government this contribution may lack the impetus and financial encouragement required to make a difference. The Private Members bill to tackle river pollution being launched by MP Phillip Dunne offers some hope of providing that leadership.
The Bristol Avon, being a very urban catchment, suffers from its own set of challenges, which are not too dissimilar to the River Severn and its tributaries as summarised by MP Phillip Dunne. Overwhelmingly, only 24% of the Bristol Avon catchment is classified as having ‘good ecological status’. Although this is typical of other similar catchments, it demonstrates the scale of the challenge to meet the Water Framework Directive targets.
The private members’ bill to put our local rivers at the forefront of parliamentary debate will be a critical move for creating a step change in the way that our water resources are managed. The Private Members Bill launched by MP Philip Dunne could create the impetus behind a shift to benefit both people and wildlife, by encouraging water companies to employ more ‘nature-based’ solutions to protect the Bristol Avon’s rivers, streams and brooks. I would be very interested in hearing from you with regard to your views on this matter and hope that you will support this bill. Please find further information about the Private Members Bill to tackle river pollution here: https://bristolavonriverstrust.org/7295-2/
Thank you in anticipation of your support.
Yours sincerely,
XXXXX
Please find out further information about the Bill and how you can help to support the bill and protect the quality of water in our rivers by clicking this link
