November 2025
Kennet and Avon Canal, Bath
Words from the Chair
In this issue, it is great to read about some of the excellent work being done by our partners; we only provide a taster paragraph, but I would encourage you to click on some of the links - you won’t be disappointed!
We are often asked how we know that our catchment interventions are making a difference - click on the ‘eels’ link below to see how BART’s actions have extended river access for eels.
And don’t miss the ‘Linking the Levels’ video - brilliant!!
Keep up the great work everyone.
Dr Richard Cresswell MBE
Chair, Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership
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Catchment News
Helping Eels thrive on the Cam and Wellow Brooks, Somerset
Young eels (Elvers)
Photo credit: Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART)
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) has enhanced fish passage along the Cam and Wellow Brooks in Somerset by removing key weirs and installing eel tiles - special structures that help young eels (elvers) navigate upstream. These interventions have reconnected nearly 10km of river habitat, benefiting not only critically endangered European eels but also species such as brown trout and lamprey. Supported by funding from Natural England, the project is already showing positive results, with eels now detected further upstream than before.
To read more, visit here.
Linking the Levels - a video
A video has been produced showcasing ‘Linking the Levels’ - a collaborative nature recovery initiative in South Gloucestershire. The programme focuses on restoring and reconnecting habitats across the Lower Severn Vale, Levels, and Shore, aiming to enhance biodiversity and ecological resilience through partnership-led action.
Led by South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol Zoological Society, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust and with support from the West of England Combined Authority, the programme supports wildlife, climate resilience, communities, and local businesses as part of a wider regional environmental strategy.
Watch the video here.
The impact of weirs on natural fish populations in the Bristol Avon
Photo credit: Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART)
Weirs and sluices, once built for industry and water management, pose major challenges for river health. They block fish migration, disrupt natural river flows, and degrade habitats. Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is working to address these issues by removing or modifying weirs, installing fish passes and eel tiles, and enhancing habitats with natural features like woody debris and flow deflectors.
Read more here.
West of England Action for Nature Map Launch
A screenshot of the interactive Action for Nature Map
Image credit: West of England Combined Authority
A new interactive Action for Nature Map has been launched to showcase and connect nature recovery projects across the West of England. The map supports the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), helping communities, landowners, and organisations share actions, find partners, and track progress.
View the map here.
Conservation on our doorstep by the Bristol Zoological Society
Photo credit: Bristol Zoological Society
The Bristol Zoological Society (BZS) has recently shared an update on their local conservation work in the South West, focusing on research, citizen science, and habitat restoration. A key initiative is the South West Crayfish Partnership (SWCP).
Our native white-clawed crayfish is under great threat from crayfish plague carried by the invasive non-native Signal crayfish. Since 2008, the SWCP has protected 21 ark sites, relocated over 4,000 wild, released 3,500 captive-bred individuals, and begun controlling invasive signal crayfish. An ark site for White-clawed crayfish is an isolated, self-contained water body site, which can support a healthy, self-sustaining population of White-clawed crayfish with little need for ongoing management. Additionally, the BZS have developed AQUA - a biosecurity accreditation scheme piloted since 2019, to help prevent the spread of invasive species in waterways.
Read more here.
Wider News
The Big River Watch – September 2025 results
The last Big River Watch saw an incredible 4,140 volunteers in the UK and Ireland contribute 2,347 surveys (equivalent to 43 days spent monitoring rivers) via the free mobile application.
A variety of wildlife was reported: ducks topped the sightings with 789 recordings, followed by 240 kingfishers, 624 fish, 52 otters, 7 beavers, and 383 dragonflies.
However, pollution remains a persistent issue with nearly half of the surveys (48%) reporting at least one pollutant, with silt reported in 580 cases.
Percentage of the different pollutants recorded during the Big River Watch (September 2025)
Image credit: The Rivers Trust
These data provide clearer insights into the pressures affecting our rivers and help guide targeted actions to address them.
Explore the results here.
Fine sediment threatens river life
A recent study on the River Taw in Devon reveals that ultra-fine sediment (<25 µm) can clog gravel beds and consume oxygen as embedded organic material decomposes. This can create inhospitable conditions for fish eggs, larvae, and invertebrates. The research shows this issue isn’t limited to farmland run-off; it occurs across diverse catchment areas and isn’t easily flushed out. Experts recommend catchment-wide strategies such as reducing nutrient inputs and limiting the accumulation of fine sediments, to restore oxygen flow through riverbeds.
Read the study here.
Environmental award for West Chisenbury project – Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
West Chisenbury Project Site
Photo credit: Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has won the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Sanctuary Environmental Enhancement Award for its river restoration work at West Chisenbury on the Salisbury Plain. The project, delivered in partnership with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and others, restored chalk stream habitats and created wetlands to improve water quality and biodiversity, showcasing successful collaboration between conservationists, government, and the military.
Read more here.
Consultation on strengthening penalties for water company offences – Defra
Defra is currently consulting on new powers for the Environment Agency to issue tougher civil penalties for water pollution. Proposed changes include higher fines (up to £500,000) and faster enforcement for offences like unreported discharges. The consultation seeks views on which offences should apply and how penalties are set, aiming to strengthen environmental protection and accountability in the water sector.
Read more here. This consultation closes on Wednesday 3rd December.
A new Natural England Strategy: ‘Recovering Nature for Growth, Health and Security’
Natural England has recently unveiled its new strategy ‘Recovering Nature for Growth, Health and Security’, which sets out an ambitious vision to make nature a cornerstone of our future. The plan calls for large-scale restoration to boost biodiversity, tackle climate challenges, and improve wellbeing - while supporting sustainable development.
With four key priorities: Recovering Nature, Building Better Places, Improving Health, and Delivering Security; the strategy invites councils, businesses, and communities to work together to embed nature into housing, infrastructure, and everyday life.
Read more here.