From Wil Harvey and Alan Miller – Wilder Wenhaston
- Upper reaches of the Blyth, Huntingfield and Holton tributaries still dry.
- Flow minimal
- Temperature averaging between 18 and 19C
- Dissolved oxygen levels (not shown) low: mainly between 60 – 80%, likely related to warmth and low flow.
- Pollution ‘hot spots’ at Laxfield, downstream from Sewage treatment Works outfalls, upstream towards source of the Wang
We plan two more survey sessions, Sept & Oct, then will analyse the 6 months of results. These surveys have indicated sources of pollution in addition to Anglian Water’s waste treatment activities, which we are following up with the Environment Agency.
Many thanks to our trusty helpers for their time and efforts!
Working with the Four Rivers Project we have collected Himalayan balsam seed and sent to CABI a research organisation that has been using a strain of rust to control balsam since 2015.The lab will grow on the seed and infect the resulting plants with a rust found in its native habitat. If successful we could see this control being used on the catchment next year. Fingers crossed.
Regards
Wil & Alan
For Wilder Wenhaston River Group