WORLD Rivers Day on Sunday (September 28) was marked by the campaigners in the Vale raising awareness about pollution.
The Avonvale River Action Group (ARAG) joined forces with Avon Aardvarks Canoe Club to complete a ten-mile paddle to highlight the poor state of UK rivers including the River Avon.
The journey started at Fladbury Paddle Club and went as far as Hampton Ferry, Evesham before heading back to Fladbury.
ARAG campaigner and leader of the Aardvarks, David Saunders said: “As a member of the Avonvale River Action Group and a regular paddler on the Avon, I thought we should do something to help highlight the issues with pollution in rivers.
“The Ardvarks are like-minded people and stepped up to help us complete the paddle.
“The weather was kind to us and we were able to speak to people along the way and get our message across.”
ARAG volunteers carry out monthly monitoring of the river water quality at 27 locations along the River Avon from Bidford to Eckington to check for nitrates, phosphates and electrical conductivity.
They also work to influence individuals and organisations who have a responsibility for the health of the river or who have a direct impact on river water quality such as the Environment Agency.
Group leader Louise Bugg added: “Rivers in the UK are polluted with waste, chemicals, and plastics, which harm wildlife, disrupt ecosystems, and threaten clean water supplies for people.
“The River Avon specifically has high levels of phosphates that we assume are from sewage and agricultural sources.
“High levels of phosphates cause algae growth that blocks sunlight, reduces oxygen levels, and affects aquatic life.
“At Fladbury, we know that the fish stock available for local fishermen has been affected by the river water quality.”
The data collected contributes to the national database held by The Angling Trust and Surfers Against Sewage and published at avonvaleriver.org/monitoring/ the ARAG website.
Their goal is to improve the health of the River Avon in the Vale of Evesham so that the river is a thriving home for wildlife and a safe environment for people to enjoy.
