We welcome today’s Rivers at Risk report from the Campaign for National Parks which shines a light on the need to ensure National Parks are not overlooked in the changes to the water regulation currently under consideration.
If our National Parks are to retain their iconic status, reach their potential as havens for wildlife and support our nation’s health and wellbeing then action is needed to ensure the highest water quality standards can be achieved.
The New Forest is one of the best places for freshwater habitats in the UK.
In the heart of the National Park we have an abundance of pristine ponds, streams and river headwaters, largely free of sources of significant pollution. The picture changes as you move downstream, where a combination of sewage and waste water spills, leaking septic tanks, land use practices, chemical infiltration and highway drainage all have a negative impact on water quality.
A programme of restoring rivers and wetlands is included in our management plan and we convene a New Forest Water Catchment Partnership with Freshwater Habitats Trust to drive this forward. A partnership of landowners, government agencies, organisations and communities, are reducing non-native invasive species in our rivers, restoring natural water courses, helping farmers reduce polluting run-off and creating new ponds.
But more needs to urgently be done to improve our water quality and to prioritise investment in our most treasured landscapes; we and our partners continue to demand faster, more concerted action and need determined focus on adequate resourcing from our water companies and regulators to achieve best water quality for the iconic and internationally important New Forest National Park.
Hear more on this issue from Freshwater Habitats Trust in their blog from Technical Director Dr Naomi Ewald.