The Mill Brook from Blewbury to Wallingford: a consultation

This event in May was facilitated by the Catchment Lead, Thames 21, and supported by staff from the Environment Agency who are writing a ‘Catchment Management Plan’ for the Mill Brook. It was funded by Mend the Gap (see note at end). The purpose of the event was to get a wide range of perspectives on The Mill Brook to identify issues and opportunities to see if everyone can work more collaboratively in this catchment. It was well attended with over 50 representatives from wildlife, hydrology, and farming as well as residents from Wallingford and villages including South Moreton. Several people from Sustainable Blewbury attended. The event started with talks from Mend the Gap (who have a vision of healthier, more climate resilient landscapes with thriving ecology), the Environment Agency and from ARK (Action for the River Kennet). ARK has been successful in leading improvement projects over the past 15 years. It has recently enabled a wetland to be created on the Shalbourne through working with landowners and obtaining private funding. The Environment Agency showed how the Mill Brook is considered to have good water quality and ecological status (invertebrates) (as determined by the Water Framework Directive) but only moderate ecological status in terms of macrophytes. It was not clear where these measurements had been taken but it was thought downstream of South Moreton. Issues which were raised by people present included silt in the Cleve (SB), restrictions to the movement of trout in the upper reaches, sewage flooding in Berry Lane, water quality downstream of South Moreton sewage treatment works and flooding in the lower reaches of the Mill Brook. The issues were identified in small groups on flip-charts without any plenary sessions so it was hard to know exactly what was raised. The organisers are writing a report on the consultation which we will make available to our supporters when we have received it. I came away with the impression that if we wanted to tackle the issue of silt in the Cleve and other streams in Blewbury and other issues with our streams, we need to write a project plan. This would need to be evidence based. It seems that ARK have done some ‘mud monitoring’ (during and after storms) and then worked with landowners to reduce this. If we have a plan, Mend the Gap and ARK can probably advise on how to get some funding for appropriate action. SB has paid consultants in the past so these plans could suffice. We need to know what we want to do, find some keen people to lead the project and liaise with others. If you have relevant experience or a particular interest in the Mill Brook please do get in touch with us. Note: Mend the Gap - is a joint programme of the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs National Landscapes (previously known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and the Railway Action Group (a group of local community members who were instrumental in highlighting the harm being done to the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty by the electrification of the rail network). The programme received £3.7 million for projects within three km of the railway (Blewbury is just outside this area). It involves working with landowners, the local community and partner organisations to identify and deliver projects that will collectively enhance the affected areas. Most of the funding has been allocated to projects such as hedge and tree planting and very little is left for new projects.

Jane Kinniburgh