A speech by Wetlands International CEO Jane Madgwick focused on some of the threats to river ecosystems and the growing importance of restoring rivers for a cleaner, safer and richer environment.
The Better Thames Network is a NERC funded project, administered by the University of Westminster, devised to support the Environment Agency and local stakeholders implement the Water Framework Directive targets for water quality in the Thames River Basin District. Its primary objective is to develop and support an interconnected community of scientists and stakeholders who can make a scientific contribution to, or have a role in, implementation of the Thames River Basin Management Plan.
Presenter Ellie Harrison visited a project on the River Wye where live willow has been planted to address bank erosion. Salix Technical Director David Holland talked on camera about the techniques suitability and application on the Wye.
The Government has today published the Water White Paper - Water for life which describes a vision for future water management in which the water sector is resilient, in which water companies are more efficient and customer focused, and in which importantly water is valued.
Please have a look at four new pages which have been added to the RRC website featuring content on the LIFE+ RESTORE project, Designated Rivers (resource), the National River Restoration Inventory (of projects) which we manage and PRAGMO - our new monitoring guidance.
A progress report for 2008-2011 for England shows that the Environment Agency by working with regional flood defence committees, local authorities, internal drainage boards and other partners, achieved and exceeded all of the government targets with the exception of one covering intertidal habitats. To read the document click on the link.
The Environment Agency has released a list of the 10 most improved rivers – the waterways that have shrugged off their industrial past to become havens for wildlife and people. The transformation of these rivers has been achieved thanks to thousands of habitat improvement projects, tighter regulation of polluting industries and work with farmers, businesses and water companies to reduce pollution and improve water quality.
The London Assembly Environment Committee has today published a report of its investigation into flood risk in London. The report, For a Rainy Day, outlines the scale and nature of the flood risk facing London in the event of severe rainfall, and it calls on the Mayor to lead further action on communicating flood risk and reducing risk through sustainable drainage, river restoration and other actions.
The Natural Environment White Paper (NEWP) sets out the Government’s vision for the future of the natural environment throughout England, placing both the economic and intrinsic value of nature at its heart. The Government’s belief in the need to protect the environment for future generations, make the economy more environmentally sustainable, and improve quality of life and well-being was set out in the Coalition Agreement.
The River Thames was selected as the winner of the prestigious International Theiss River Prize, which celebrates outstanding achievement in river management and restoration. Since April 2005, 393 habitat enhancement projects have been completed and nearly 70 km of river has been restored or enhanced. Congratulations to everyone involved. For the London Rivers Action Plan go to http://www.therrc.co.uk/lrap.php