A £110 million revamp which will bring more otters, salmon and other fish back to England’s rivers was announced by Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman today.

The money will be used to kick start restoration worth at least £600 million to improve the health of more than 880 lakes, streams and other water bodies, while boosting local involvement in caring for our blue spaces enjoyed by millions every year.

Announcing the funding, Mrs Spelman said:

“The health of our rivers has come along in leaps and bounds, but we still see nasty invasive weeds and lifeless waters blight blue spaces in cities and across our countryside.

“With this funding, we’ll help all our waterways and streams thrive by tackling problems that until now have been sitting in the ‘too hard’ basket.

“Our new grass-roots approach to boosting healthier waterways and flourishing wildlife has local experience and knowledge at its heart.”

Our Rivers campaign coordinator Ralph Underhill said:

“This announcement is fantastic news for our rivers and the wildlife they support.

“This new funding may not solve all the problems overnight but it is a significant step towards securing the future of the river environment in England and Wales which is under great pressure from a variety of threats including pollution and abstraction.

“Rivers are a national asset and in the current financial climate it is great to see a new investment being made in their future. We hope that a significant amount of the money announced will be spent on the rivers and wetland areas of international importance to conservation that the Government has committed itself to improving.”

£92 million will be provided over the next four years to remove non-native invasive weeds and animals, clear up pollution, and remove redundant dams, weirs, landings and other man-made structures so that wildlife can thrive in water catchments across England.

The funding will be shared between the Environment Agency, Natural England and civil society associations such as the Association of Rivers Trust to build on successful work, and a significant portion of the funding will support new local projects across the country through a Catchment Restoration fund.

Funding from the Catchment Restoration fund will be available from next year to co-fund projects that restore and protect the health of our water catchments by bringing together those responsible for causing pollution, with those who want to see cleaner waters and the agencies that provide scientific evidence to base decisions on.

An additional £18 million will be provided this year to continue providing help to farmers to put in such measures as buffer strips and fences to protect water courses and take other action to prevent agricultural pollution, under the successful Catchment Sensitive Farming programme.

Last month the Government announced its new, more locally-focussed catchment-based approach to be trialled in ten areas in England.

The Natural Environment White Paper later this year will set out a wider vision for the protection of our environment.

Notes
The Water Framework Directive, adopted in 2000, is the overarching Directive for Water Quality. It requires a holistic, river basin planning approach to be adopted and contains two key default objectives; preventing class to class deterioration of water bodies and aiming to bring all water bodies to Good Ecological Status (GES) by December 2015. The measures through which to achieve the WFD must be set out by Member States in River Basin Management Plans, which we published for England’s River Basins on 22 December 2009 as required by the Directive www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/33106.aspx.

Achieving Good Ecological Status is very challenging as it is necessary to be at “Good” across the whole range of parameters for a water body to be classed as “Good”. The first set of Plans predict an improvement from 27% to 32% of water bodies achieving GES in England by 2015. The Environment Agency is currently undertaking over 8500 investigations, which are to be completed by the end of 2012, to help us better understand the barriers preventing the attainment of “Good” and the steps necessary to get us there. This will help inform further actions that we will put in place, part of which will be funded by this additional funding, as well as what we put forward in the second cycle of river basin planning from 2015-2021.  Further detail on the directive is available from the EC website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html

The Our Rivers campaign is supported by the RSPB, WWF UK, the Angling Trust and the Salmon and Trout Association.

Monday 4 April 2011. Angling Trust/WWF

The Angling Trust and WWF-UK have welcomed Defra’s recent statement committing to a package of new measures to deliver the EU Water Framework Directive. The commitments in the statement provide assurances which satisfactorily address the numerous points raised by these organisations over the past year in their joint application for Judicial Review of the Government and Environment Agency’s first round of River Basin Management Plans. On this basis, WWF-UK and the Angling Trust have agreed to withdraw their legal action against the Government.

In particular, the statement includes:

• Establishment of 10 pilot catchments where innovative measures, including by enforcement action if necessary, will be tested to “drive action vigorously”, to address problems from pollution, abstraction and habitat damage in rivers and lakes;
• Commitments to make the next round of plans available for the whole of England & Wales ahead of the required deadline, enabling other organisations to be consulted and to help deliver the objectives;
• A commitment to further and faster improvements in the number of water bodies achieving Good Ecological Status or Potential;
• A programme of 8,500 investigations and other monitoring and analysis to reduce the significant level of uncertainty in the first round of plans, the results of which will be published, with regular progress reports to environmental bodies;
• A commitment to develop clarity about how long-standing causes of decline in the freshwater environment will be identified, including sediment pollution;
• Elimination of uncertainty about the ecological status or potential of all water bodies by 2015 – this was a reason for lack of action on many water bodies;
• Clarification of the process by which decisions are made to take action, following the removal of uncertainty about the reasons for failure as a reason for not taking action by the end of 2015;
• Clear timetables for action to achieve the objectives of the Directive;

David Nussbaum, Chief Executive of WWF-UK said:

“The Water Framework Directive is one of the most ambitious pieces of environmental legislation ever passed in Europe, or anywhere in the world. It holds out the promise of safeguarding our natural environment and the water supplies on which we depend. We are delighted that the government has moved to put in place a range of new approaches that will reinvigorate action to meet these objectives.”

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust said:

“The EU’s Water Framework Directive should be – if properly implemented – the most important legislation for the protection and improvement of freshwater and coastal fisheries for generations. We are pleased that in the context of public spending cuts the Government has committed to put right the shortcomings in the first round of plans. Angling clubs and riparian owners are very keen to work with the Environment Agency, Rivers Trusts and others to help make these new plans a reality.”

Contacts:

Mark Lloyd, Angling Trust

Rowan Walker, WWF-UK

Notes to Editors:

1. Defra’s statement is available for download on the Angling Trust web site HERE

2. The Angling Trust (the representative body for all game, sea and coarse angling in England) and WWF-UK (Britain’s leading conservation charity) are working in partnership on a number of programmes relating to freshwater conservation and fisheries.

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) welcomes Defra’s long awaited consultation document – A New Era for the Waterways –  on how it proposes to transform British Waterways into a third sector body.

Clive Henderson, IWA national chairman, said:

‘I am in no doubt that the right way forward for Britain’s navigable inland waterways is for them to be managed by a third sector body and I am pleased that the detailed proposals on how government intends to change British Waterways into a new civil society body are now available.

We will take our time to consider the detail of how this transformation is to be achieved with great care and will aim to share our preliminary thoughts as quickly as possible. We have said all along that the funding package needs to be viable, the governance needs to be right, and that the new body should also inherit the Environment Agency navigations. So we are especially pleased that the Government has now signalled that it shares our views. I specifically welcome the commitment in principle to inclusion of the Environment Agency navigations in 2015; the stated aim that this move to civil society must create a sustainable model for the future of the inland waterways; and the emphasis on governance arrangements that involve local stakeholders in decision making for their waterways’.

Finally, he said:

‘It is now a matter of considering how these aims can best be translated into a successful civil society body which can flourish in the future. key aspects of the consultation that we will be looking at are how:

•    the indicative funding stacks up in delivering a sustainable charity.

•    the governance proposals can best achieve community enagagement consistent with localism and so that local ‘ownership’ of waterways can lead to tangible benefits for the waterways.

•    the Government is planning to ensure that the Environment Agency navigations can transfer smoothly in 2015/16.’

We will also want to explore in further detail how the status of the commercial, cruising and remainder waterways will be dealt with to meet the charitable purposes of the body in a manner that sustains and enhances existing usage’.

ENDS

For more information please contact Jo Gilbertson or David Padfield on 01494 783453

Jo.Gilbertson@waterways.org.uk
David.Padfield@waterways.org.uk

Notes For Editors

IWA

The Inland Waterways Association is a registered charity, founded in 1946, which advocates the conservation, use, maintenance, restoration and development of the inland waterways for public benefit.

IWA works closely with navigation authorities, national and local authorities, voluntary, private and public sector organisations. We campaign and lobby for support and encourage public participation in the inland waterways. IWA also manages the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation for the public benefit, through its subsidiary Essex Waterways, having stepped in to prevent its closure in 2005.

IWA actively supports waterway restoration, and through its waterways restoration volunteering organisation, Waterway Recovery Group, organises and subsidises over 20, week-long waterway restoration working holidays for volunteers of all ages throughout the UK each year, as well as conducting multiple work parties around the country on most weekends. This particularly enables young people to participate in the preservation and restoration of our heritage, and in doing so learn construction and heritage skills.

More than 500 miles of canals and navigable rivers have been re-opened to public use since the Association was founded in 1946. The Association is working to restore a further 500 miles of derelict inland waterways.

IWA is organised into 35 local branches covering geographical areas of the country, through which volunteers coordinate activities as diverse as policing planning applications through the waterway corridor, organising festivals and events to raise public awareness, providing engineering expertise, raising money for restoration schemes, and providing education on the value and benefits of their local waterways.

Find out more about IWA   www.waterways.org.uk

http://www.waterways.org.uk/em-change/4cd2d94b816e2

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs   (National)

Gold medal Olympic rower and London 2012 ambassador, Ben Hunt-Davis joined Environment Minister Richard Benyon today to launch the Check, Clean, Dry campaign to stop the spread of aquatic invasive non-native species.

 The campaign aims to counter the threat to Britain’s economy and wildlife posed by the spread of invasive non-native species such as the “killer shrimp”.

 Richard Benyon said:

“Aggressive species from across the world have the potential to reach Britain and cause real damage and even wipe out some of our native wildlife.

 “We all have a duty to stop this from happening, and all those that use the water for recreation and sport can do their bit by heeding the advice to Check, Clean and Dry their boats and gear. Just a few moments care can mean the difference between keeping our rivers and lakes healthy or infecting them with the likes of a killer shrimp or invasive non-native plants.”

 Ben Hunt-Davis said:

“Rowers, along with other recreational water users, need to be aware of the simple actions they can take to protect our aquatic environments, not just from the killer shrimp but from all invasive non-native plants and animals.

 “We all have a responsibility towards our natural environment so it is particularly encouraging to see so many organisations behind this campaign.

 “Though we may have different interests, by working together under a common theme – Check, Clean, Dry – we can really drive this important message home. I’m really pleased therefore to support this campaign.”

 The campaign is aimed at all those that use the water for recreation and sport who can unwittingly spread non-native invasive species as they move between different bodies of water like rowing lakes. Individual organisms, eggs, larvae and plant fragments can be carried on equipment, clothing and footwear.

All recreational water users can take some simple steps to help prevent the infection of healthy waterways:

Check equipment and clothing for live organisms – particularly in areas that are damp or hard to inspect.

Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothing thoroughly.  If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found them. 

Dry all equipment and clothing – some species can live for many days in moist conditions. Make sure you don’t transfer water elsewhere.

Defra is working with the Welsh Assembly Government and a wide range of conservation agencies and charities to tackle the threat posed by non-native aquatic species, but the public also has a vital role to play.

 Chief Executive of the Angling Trust, Mark Lloyd, said:

 “Invasive non-native species are of great concern to anglers. We are seeing fisheries in rivers and lakes being destroyed by their presence. We fully support this campaign to stop the spread and urge all water users to follow this best practice.”

 Chief Executive of the British Canoe Union, Paul Owen, said:

 “The BCU takes very seriously the need for biosecurity and we fully support the campaign. All of the home nations have produced clear guidelines for all canoeists in their country as to how to prevent the spread of alien species. Canoe England has the ’You, Your Canoe and the environment‘ leaflet which clearly defines best practice in terms of the environment and biosecurity. Canoeing is the most popular watersport and we encourage all canoeists, members or not, to follow our guidance for the environment and biosecurity.”

 British Rowing Facilities Consultant, Alan Meegan, said:

 “British Rowing is committed to helping Defra contain the spread of invasive aquatic species from overseas. Defra has been very pro-active over this and we are pleased to support them in doing all that we can to protect our native species”.

 RYA Planning and Environmental Advisor, Caroline Price, said:

“The RYA welcomes this new awareness campaign. A joined-up approach is vital if we are to encourage best practice and prevent the spread of invasive species.”

 Head of Science at the Salmon & Trout Association, Janina Gray, said:

 “Invasive non-native species can cause far-reaching ecological imbalances within watercourses, so controlling their spread is vital if we are to protect native species and their habitats”

 More information on the new campaign can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/checkcleandry

Notes to Editors

1. The campaign has the support of major bodies, water user groups and conservation organisations including: Anglian Water, Angling Trust, Association of Rivers Trusts, British Canoe Union, British Marine Federation, British Rowing, Environment Agency, Freshwater Biological Association, Natural England, Royal Yachting Association, and Salmon & Trout association.

2. Non-native invasive species cost the British economy at least £1.7 billion each year and millions of pounds is spent on aquatic invaders alone. Below is a list of five examples of the worst offenders:

Killer Shrimp

Dikerogammarus villosus

• Native to South-east Europe

• Dominant and voracious predator, kills insects and small fish on a massive scale

• Found in three locations in England and Wales

Floating Pennywort

Hydrocotyle ranunculoides

• Native to North America

• Found commonly across SE England

• Impedes navigation and suffocates aquatic organisms

• Costs the British economy £25 million each year (management and indirect costs such as to boating and angling)

Water Primrose

Ludwigia peploides

• Native to South America

• Smothers native plantlife and clogs waterways

• Found in small numbers in South East and South West England. Currently subject to an eradication campaign.

Zebra Mussel

Dreissena polymorpha

• Native to South-east Russia

• Blocks lock gates and intake pipes in waterworks

• Found commonly across England and Ireland, limited locations in Scotland and Wales

Quagga Mussel

Dreissena rostriformis

• Native to ponto-caspian region

• Blocks lock gates and intake pipes in waterworks

• Not present in the UK yet, but continues to cause problems in Europe.

1. D. villosus (‘killer shrimp’) has been found at Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire on 3rd September, Cardiff Bay 25th November and Eglwys Nunydd reservoir on 26th November 2010.

Our Rivers media Release, 

Issued by RSPB, WWF-UK, the Angling Trust and the Salmon and Trout Association

Conservationists and anglers are calling on the Government to act over the one third of rivers in England and Wales which are threatened by household water demand.

 The Government’s upcoming Water White Paper will set out reforms to the water industry. The Our Rivers campaign is urging ministers to seize this opportunity to tackle the issue of over abstraction by water companies which results in low flowing waterways and dry riverbeds, a problem which is threatening wildlife across England and Wales.

 The Government has itself identified 148 rivers where over abstraction is damaging rivers and the wildlife they support, but there has been no action to reduce the amount of water taken. A survey of Our Rivers’ supporters focused on the threats faced by rivers last year suggested that as many 191 rivers are being damaged by abstraction.

 The current system of abstraction licensing is outdated, campaigners say. The forthcoming White Paper must set out a clear timetable and strategy for how damaging abstraction will be reduced. More must also be done to reduce the amount of water taken from the natural environment by encouraging greater water efficiency through universal metering and fixing our leaking network of water pipes.

 Ralph Underhill, Our Rivers campaign spokesman, said: “Low flowing rivers and dry river beds are clear signs that wildlife is suffering and action must be taken. Waterways become clogged with weeds, fish are unable to reach their spawning grounds and pollution in the water becomes more highly concentrated.

 “We all need water in our daily lives, but we can do more for wildlife without affecting our household water supplies. Nationally important wildlife sites are struggling to cope with abstraction demands so we must ensure we are taking the right amount of water from the right places. Demand for water will only increase and our natural environment must not pay the price for this.

 “Many of our rivers have lacked the water they need to sustain themselves and their wildlife for far too long – in some cases decades – and it is high time a clear solution is found. It’s vital that the Government tackles the issue head on. The White Paper must signal to water companies that it expects solutions to be included in the next round of company business plans.”

 Some of the rivers worst affected by abstraction include the Kennet near Reading, the Beane and the Mimram in Hertfordshire, the Avon in Gloucestershire, the top of the Ribble in Yorkshire, the Wensum in East Anglia and the River Usk in Monmouthshire.

 Our Rivers supporters will be taking part in a letter writing campaign to urge environment minister Richard Benyon to set out a clear timetable to restore river flows and end unsustainable levels of abstraction in England and Wales by 2020. The Campaign is also calling for more action to tackle agricultural pollution at its source rather than at treatment works.

Notes:

The Water White Paper is set to published by DEFRA in early summer and will focus on the future challenges facing the water industry. The DEFRA’s Water White Paper webpage here – http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/whitepaper/

 An Environment Agency annual report into the health status of rivers in England and Wales last year showed 72 per cent of rivers are failing European targets. Just four rivers out of nearly 6,000 assessed remain ‘High’ status waterways of near pristine condition. There were 26 per cent in the ‘Good’ category, the required European standard. The report classed 56 per cent as ‘Moderate’, 14 per cent as ‘Poor’ and two per cent as ‘Bad’.

 The Our Rivers campaign conducted a public vote to find the most loved and hated rivers in England and Wales last year. The Wye was voted our favourite river while The Thames was voted the worst. Over abstraction was one of the main reasons members of the public gave when voting in the worst river category, alongside sewage discharges, diffuse pollution, manmade structures blocking fish movements and invasive alien species such as American crayfish and mink.

 Unsustainable abstraction currently affects one third of catchments. The Environment Agency’s Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) show that there are areas under pressure from abstraction right across England and Wales.  15% of CAMS units are classified as over-abstracted (existing abstraction causing unacceptable damage to the environment at low flows) and 18% are classified as over- licensed (if licences were fully utilised it may cause unacceptable damage at low flows). There is particular water stress in the south and east of England, where rainfall is lower and population density and per capita consumption is highest. Climate change and increasing demand for water, due to population and lifestyle change, are likely to increase the pressure on rivers from abstraction.

Visit www.ourrivers.org.uk to support the campaign

Sunday 20th March saw volunteers from the Thames Anglers Conservancy out to the River Thames at Staines for a clean up.

One of our river guardians reported an area of concern, so we arranged a day to get down and tackle the problem.

The amount of litter was staggering and totalled at 31 filled bin bags, a bike, shopping trolley and a broken TV.

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who made the effort and turned up to make that difference.