Q&A with Renny, Citizen Scientist
At Surfers Against Sewage, we believe that people power drives real environmental change. Our Citizen Science programme supports communities to monitor water quality, hold polluters to account, and investigate what’s in the water at their local blue spaces. Whether it’s testing rivers, tracking sewage discharges or uncovering pollution, citizen scientists provide the data needed to hold polluters to account.
One of those citizen scientists is Renny, who has been monitoring the River Avon from her village in Warwickshire. We spoke to her about why she started testing.
How do you – or your community – use your local waterways? What does your river mean to you?
“I feel passionate about nature and wildlife and am horrified at how nature-depleted the UK – especially England – has become. Looking after our precious rivers is part of looking after nature. Water means life and a healthy river is a critical part of our ecosystem.
“For me, my enjoyment of the local river is about spotting wildlife – there is nothing better than seeing an otter or a kingfisher when walking by the river, or sitting quietly watching swans, ducks or geese swimming by.”
What made you want to start testing the water quality?
Renny:
“It’s difficult to know where to start with the growing nature depletion and pressure on wildlife in this country. I decided that one very simple little thing I could personally do is to test the quality of the water in the River Avon in my own village, Alveston, as part of the SafeAvon project set up by Geoff Sallis a couple of years ago. A small step to start off with.
“It’s been great that four of my neighbours agreed with me – and we have now been testing at two sites in the village on a weekly basis for over 18 months.”
What are the biggest threats facing your local river?
“Pollution as a result of farming with chemicals, especially nitrates; dumping of sewage by the local water company on a regular basis.
“I also think ongoing pressure to develop along the river. Part of its attraction for me is the peace and tranquillity – where there is very little, if any, development.”
How does it feel to collect and share data on your river?
Renny:
“I’ve been keen that we do more than just collect data for it to sit on a spreadsheet – and was delighted to meet with our wonderful and very supportive MP Manuella Perteghella in October. Manuella went out testing herself in April with some SafeAvon volunteers and has mentioned the SafeAvon project in speeches at least three times.
“She is keen to ensure legislation holds water companies to account and that improvements are made in water quality.
“I’m also pleased that we now have a place in the Warwickshire Catchment Partnership stakeholder group as citizen scientists – it will be interesting to see what, if any, impact this has. I’m keen to see action and improvements, and not just talking!”
Thanks for working on it.
I want to know if the Avon near Leamington Spa and Warwick is safe to wild swim in.
My family always want to swim in the river.
Oh course, we don’t want nature polluted, that is very bad when it happens. Bad for wildlife and humans.