We are happy to report that we have had a major win-win situation arise with the University of Birmingham. Following the need to remove some monitoring equipment that was surplus to requirements, we looked to find a new home for it.
The University of Birmingham offers global research in sustainable, environmental solutions. A key area of research is clean water, headed up Dr Kieran Khamis, who specialises in freshwater ecosystems.
After conversations, we have agreed with Dr Khamis to donate the monitoring equipment, and in return, MSc students will undertake research into the River Great Ouse and other major channels and brooks.
This will allow us at BedsGOVET to take our testing to a new level, in particular by testing brooks which fall under the Water Framework Directives to meet certain criteria and may be the cause of concern for further sewage spills.
Discussions are currently ongoing to work out the finer details of the research programmes that the MSc students will undertake for their dissertation work.
“We are so pleased that we have been able to not only ensure that the monitoring equipment would be put to good use again, but to have access to the expertise of Dr Khamis and his students; it really is a perfect outcome.
The students will be able to use our data, as well as provide further monitoring using a new research system that is being developed by the University.” Said Alan Horn, Chair of BedsGOVET.
Learning resources
Closer to home, we have had a further meeting with Bedford Borough Learning and Education (BBLE) to discuss how we can encourage schools to use and test the educational resources that have already been developed (these are on our website).
Our education specialist volunteer, Alison Symonds, who is leading on our education initiative, says: “We regularly test water quality and use the data to encourage involvement and action from the Environment Agency.
Lots of Citizen Scientists help us do this, and we work with Surfers Against Sewage and the University of Birmingham.
“It’s working too. Real movers and shakers in the industry are beginning to take notice and realise that our river needs help. Sounds exciting? We think we have a lot to offer, and we think the young people of Bedford Borough have a lot to offer their local river.
“Please help us develop resources that will educate and inform about the river’s environment while meeting curriculum needs, and encourage your school to plan some of them into their programmes of study.”
If you are interested in getting involved, please do contact our educational volunteer Alison.symonds@bedsgovet.org
Funding News
Just in this month, we have had the amazing news that The Wixamtree Charitable Trust has sponsored BedsGOVET for £10k.
Next month, we will give a full roundup of our funding over the year to say a special thanks to everyone who supports our testing and monitoring programmes. We really could not do this important work without the funding we receive. So thank you all.
To find out more about BedsGOVEY and the Don’t Lose the Ouse campaign, head to our new look website or our Facebook page.
By Inga Wells. Executive MBA, PG Dip DMS
The Bedford Independent is proud to support BedsGOVET in their
vital work to monitor water quality in the River Great Ouse
and provide them with space for a column as
part of their Don’t Lose the Ouse campaign.
