Clean Water for Wildlife – The Search for Clean Water 

A three year national survey comes to an end. Nearly 10,000 results were recorded by volunteers from over 7000 waterbodies across England and Wales. In the first national survey of its kind, citizen scientists were recruited to gather data about nutrient pollution from all kinds of freshwater habitats, from the tiniest trickle, pools and streams, to expansive lakes and roaring rivers. The aim was to find fantastic freshwater free from pollution where wildlife can thrive and to raise awareness of the extent of nutrient pollution affecting freshwater wildlife.

Until recently there were many challenges to finding the best freshwater habitats, those that support rich and diverse communities of plants and animals. It would have required highly skilled plant and invertebrate surveys. However, good water quality is often the best indicator of a thriving freshwater habitat. Clean water habitats, those that are free from pollution, are home to a vast array of plants, invertebrates, amphibians, fish, mammals and birds. Thanks to the innovative Clean Water Kits and the power of citizen science, it has been possible to discover fantastic clean water gems, places free from pollution, at a landscape level. Over 30,000 Clean Water Kits have been distributed to volunteers across England and Wales to test their local freshwater habitats and to build a map of water quality. 

For more information on Clean Water for Wildlife and to view the results please visit:

www.freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/projects/clean-water

Clean Water for Wildlife is one of three initiatives in the People, Ponds and Water project. It is funded by the National Heritage Lottery.

By Hannah Worker, Dr Naomi Ewald and Dr Jeremy Biggs.