An update on our campaign to protect and restore the River Kent.
Dear Volunteers and Supporters
First of all, many thanks to those of you who were able to join us for the CRKC Open Event on Saturday afternoon. We hope you found it both useful and enjoyable.
For those who couldn’t attend, I attach a copy of the slides which Isobel ran through to summaries progress during 2024. Click Here
We now have the results of the Freshwater Watch Nutrient Study – please let me know if you would like a copy of the report (sent already to all the volunteers who have been directly involved).
This will be very useful in: Providing a broader picture of current levels of pollution. Showing that the river Kent is relatively unpolluted above Kendal, although there are some concerns below. Demonstrating that, in line with EA and NE monitoring, there appear to be concerns about the river Gowan (Ings is entirely on off mains sewage treatment) and Lambrigg Beck (where there is an acknowledged problem with Phosphorus (origin still a mystery to CRKC).
Populating the interactive map developed by Russ Hore which also includes data from other organisations.
Providing a baseline against which we can monitor in future eg as UU invest in WwTWs, as farming practices improve, or as population growth and the climate crisis potentially increase river pollution.
Contributing to the FWW global database, and the FWW Big WaterBlitz in September 2024.
However, the FWW tests were not sensitive enough to show whether the river Kent and its tributaries meet the more demanding standards for an SSSI and SAC. For example, at those locations where the Phosphorus level is below the FWW threshold but may not meet the more stringent EA and NE requirements. If we are to continue to test for Phosphorus, we would probably need more sophisticated equipment.
By January we should also have the results of the Microbial Source Tracking (MST) study which we have undertaken with Isabel Douterelo, University of Sheffield. This will help to identify the sources of the E. coli which we have found in the river – from humans or from other animals? And this will inform the next phase of our campaign and our Citizen Science Programme.
The slides also show progress in other areas including the very successful general election hustings which we held in June; discussions with Natural Kendal about an application for Bathing Water Status at Sandy Bottoms; work to understand our emotional connections with the river Kent; a river clean up with the Lakeland Canoe Club and Trashfree Trails; early work on advice for householders about maintaining septic tanks and about using less-damaging household products; and continuing the CRKC campaign.
Our grateful thanks to all of you who have helped in so many different ways with our CRKC 2024 Programme.
Thanks again for all your support during this year, and we look forward to continuing to work with you into 2025!
Isobel and Sheila