Environment section.qxp_Layout 1 17/06/2021 13:13 Page 6
MENDIP TIMES
Checking water quality
BriSTol Avon rivers Trust (BArT) will be running their annual WaterBlitz event this summer and are seeking river enthusiasts to take part. From July 9–12th, it aims to collect as many samples from the rivers, streams and lakes of the Bristol Avon catchment to help gain a snapshot of water quality. it’s looking for volunteers to take samples from the river Chew and other local streams and will supply free water testing kits. George Clark, BArT project manager, said: “rivers and streams are the arteries of our planet but they face serious challenges. Within the Bristol Avon catchment we often see nutrient pollution entering watercourses and degrading these important ecosystems and impacting the species that inhabit them. “Therefore it is increasingly important to carry out monitoring and work together for rivers.” Details: https://bristolavonriverstrust.org/event/bristolavon-waterblitz-2021/
Learning outdoors
Children at Shoscombe Church School dedicated a whole week to looking at green energy, healthy eating, biodiversity and outdoor learning. Some spent time on the school allotment and cleared weeds and planted up the raised beds.
Pollution threat to Levels
An algal bloom caused by phosphates
nATurAl england says urgent action is needed to remedy pollution on the Somerset levels and Moors. it is downgrading the environmental condition of these Sites of Special Scientific interest to “unfavourable declining” due to water quality issues. The decision follows monitoring that revealed that phosphate levels are three times higher than they should be, causing biological harm and producing algae and duckweed that is harmful to wildlife. it says the primary sources of phosphates are from agricultural activities and water industry discharges at locations like waste water treatment works. it says it will work with those who can reduce the level of phosphate, including Wessex Water, the environment Agency, landowners and farmers and wider stakeholders, to put solutions in place that will aid nature’s recovery and improve the natural environment for local people and visitors to enjoy. The measures will include further investment by Wessex Water up to £57m to reduce discharge from water treatment works by 2024; regulatory enforcement and advisory visits; rewards to landowners who improve ecosystems. natural england’s area manager for Wessex, Matt heard, said: “The Somerset levels are much-loved and internationally important for wildlife, home to tens of thousands of birds, rare plants and insect life. “There is widespread evidence that nutrient pollution is causing biological harm in the waterways of the levels. As a result of this, natural england must change the status of SSSis on the Somerset levels to 'unfavourable declining'. “Water pollution needs to be addressed across the levels. natural england is working with partners to deliver action that will restore water quality, aid nature’s recovery and improve the natural environment for local people and visitors to enjoy.”
£400,000 in grants funds available
Mendip district Council has launched two new grant funds – one for communities and one for climate and ecological emergency projects. Voluntary, community, not-for-profit organisations and city, town and parish councils are invited to apply for the funding. The closing date is August 31st. The Communities Fund will support project ideas that improve community resilience, build capacity and promote wellbeing, as well as support communities recovering from
the Covid-19 pandemic. The amount of money available is £350,000 in total. The council has also put aside a total of £50,000 for the Climate and ecological emergency Fund, where community organisations can apply for up to £2,000 to fund eco projects. Applications for this fund must demonstrate how projects impact on net-carbon emissions and/or the ecological benefits to the community.
Details: www.mendip.gov.uk/cf and www.mendip.gov.uk/ccf
PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2021
