December 2025
Easterton Brook, Market Lavington
Words from the Chair
Congratulations to the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust and the Water Lilies Community Group on their successful bids to the Bristol Avon Catchment Fund. It is great to be able to support these exciting new projects.
In contrast, it is very disappointing to note that our streams continue to be badly affected by contaminated run-off from building sites. Whilst the need to build more houses is acknowledged, it is poor that many house builders and developers still seem unable to do this in a way that does not damage the environment. We welcome BART raising this issue with local authorities and the Environment Agency.
On behalf of the Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership, I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a successful New Year.
Dr Richard Cresswell MBE
Chair, Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Successful Catchment Partnership Fund 2025/26 projects
Following the recent meeting of our Assessment Panel, we are pleased to announce that the projects below have been awarded funding from the Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership Fund. We are really looking forward to following their delivery and will keep you updated on progress.
Main Grant Scheme
Bristol Avon Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Engagement – Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Connecting Local Action Groups (LAGs) with landowners to organise Himalayan Balsam removal sessions (May-July), hosting an online talk to raise awareness of invasive non-native species (INNS) and their threats, and creating local INNS Advocates to share information and volunteering opportunities via social media.
Himalayan Balsam
Photo credit: Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Foxley Wetlands Natural Flood Management – Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
Implementing nature-based solutions along a tributary of the Avon by installing large leaky log barriers to slow water flow, reconnect the floodplain, and increase out-of-channel storage, reducing downstream flood risk while enhancing local habitats.
Photo credit: Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
Community Grant Scheme
Rainwater Harvesting - Water Lilies
Improving water management by collecting rainwater for garden use in underground tanks with pump and filtration system. Introducing slow drip irrigation and promoting sustainable practices such as drought tolerant planting, mulching and reduced hosepipe use to boost food growing capacity and encourage biodiversity.
Photo credit: Water Lilies
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Catchment News
Pollution from construction sites - Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
BART is raising awareness of persistent sediment pollution arising from construction sites in South Gloucestershire and flowing into Hazel Brook - a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. The silt pollution is smothering habitats, degrading water quality, and undoing years of volunteer river restoration. BART is demanding robust intervention from local authorities and the Environment Agency, urging improved monitoring of Construction Environmental Management Plans, stronger enforcement, and better safeguards to protect rivers as development continues.
Read more here.
The Western Forest begins to grow!
First trees have been planted at Pucklechurch Wood, kicking off the ambitious Western Forest project - the UK’s first new national forest in over 30 years. Spanning 30 hectares, the site will see volunteers planting 22,000 native and climate-resilient trees by spring 2026, with another 22,000 planned next winter. Funded by the Defra Trees for Climate programme and supported by local councils and the Forest of Avon, this initiative supports a regional goal to double tree canopy cover by 2050, benefiting both wildlife and communities around Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Read more here.
Restoring the River Malago in Bristol
Example of brushwood berms previously installed by BART to diversify in-stream habitat
Photo credit: Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is leading a series of restoration projects along the River Malago to improve water quality, enhance habitats, and tackle pollution in this urban catchment. Work includes creating natural river features, reducing run-off, and engaging local communities to reconnect people with the river. These efforts aim to boost biodiversity and make the Malago a healthier, more resilient waterway for wildlife and residents alike.
Read more here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wider News
The Environmental Improvement Plan 2025 - Defra
The Environmental Improvement Plan 2025 sets England’s roadmap for cleaner air and water, thriving wildlife, and resilient landscapes. It includes major investments in water infrastructure, flood defences, and nature-friendly farming, alongside targets for climate action and public access to green spaces. The plan links environmental recovery with economic growth and community wellbeing to deliver lasting benefits for people and nature.
Read more here.
Help track frogs and toads next spring 2026
Frogspawn in pond
Photo credit: Freshwater Habitats Trust
Freshwater Habitats Trust is calling on volunteers to join the Spawn Survey and record sightings of frog and toad spawn across the UK. Your observations help scientists monitor amphibian populations and understand the health of freshwater ecosystems. It’s easy to take part - just look for spawn in ponds, lakes, or garden water features and submit your findings online.
Get involved here.
Farming Smarter: a new documentary series
Discover Farming Smarter, a five-part series following Rob Adicott and Jeremy Padfield as they combine traditional farming with cutting-edge agri-tech to build sustainable, resilient businesses. Covering soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and animal welfare, the series offers real insights into reducing emissions and adapting to climate change.
Watch the trailer here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Events
'Bristol's Hidden River' - Film screening and art exhibition
On 22nd January, there will be a UK premiere of ‘Bristol’s Hidden River’, where you can learn more about the River Frome’s journey beneath the city, enjoy an art exhibition, and take part in a Q&A with the filmmakers and the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust team. Entry is free, but donations are welcome.