Last summer we launched our 5% Challenge in which we aim to donate 5% of our profits to charitable causes, challenging others to do the same. One organisation we support is 1% for the Planet and one of our chosen charities within this is the Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust (BedsGOVET). Our support is a combination of a financial donation and volunteering.
The aim of BedsGOVET is quite simple – a River Great Ouse free of pollutants, returning the river to full health and enabling as many sections as possible to attain bathing water status. The river is polluted throughout Bedfordshire with contamination from the discharge of untreated sewage, agricultural run-off as well as evidence of industrial pollution. Additionally, given many stretches of the river are used by open-water swimmers, as well as the general public on sunny summer days, the prevalence of e-coli – which can sometimes reach quite alarming levels – is a serious health concern.
The data collected is crucial to putting pressure on the various bodies responsible for water quality and, importantly, is also recognised by the Environment Agency – a testament to the quality of the work being done.
BedsGOVET comprises a group of trustees and volunteers (“Citizen Scientists”), who on a monthly basis test the water quality at eight different sites between Turvey and Great Barford. Readings taken include those for nitrates, phosphates, salinity, turbidity and E Coli. Additional testing equipment is also planned which will enable continual monitoring of river temperature as well as further verifying current methodologies.
The issue of water quality in our rivers, waterways and sea is very much a major topic, but unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. Organisations such as BedsGOVET aim to hold the relevant bodies to account, in a drive to ensure the river and its environs are able to provide for increased biodiversity and recreational areas for everyone to enjoy. As such they deserve both our and everyone’s support.