More than just a river
The Rivers on the Edge Project
Location: Rivers on the Edge
The Assignment Phototeam
What will 2020VISION be doing?
Our photography will focus on highlighting the importance of chalk rivers as a habitat for wildlife and their role in supplying fresh drinking water to local communities. We will also investigate the impact of over-abstraction and what is being done to save water.
When will 2020VISION be there?
- 1st to 31st May 2012
Where is it?
Rivers on the Edge focuses on three of the UK’s iconic chalk streams, the Kennet, the Itchen and the Upper Lee, which flow through Wilshire, Hampshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Why is it important?
All the rivers identified in the Rivers on the Edge project supply millions of litres of water per day – and all are officially classed as “over-abstracted” by the Environment Agency. Unsustainable abstraction can be tackled immediately by highlighting these rivers, and encouraging everyone to recognise and deal with the issues.
What’s the project’s aims?
Rivers on the Edge focuses on how we can use and manage the water we have in the UK more efficiently, both at a government and community level. Through giving advice on water use and influencing policy, the project aims to help thousands of UK homes, schools and businesses (including water companies) cut water waste, saving millions of litres of water for our rivers.
Who’s involved?
WWF, in partnership with HSBC, have been investigating and reviewing the way water is managed in the UK and have been working closely with local groups to reduce water abstraction, save water, restore river habitat and support community engagement.
What’s happening there?
Rivers on the Edge have been working with local group Action for the River Kennet to help restore upper reaches of the river Kennet and have been working with Thames Water and Waterwise to save water in Swindon.
On the Beane and Mimram, two tributaries of the Lee, the project aims to help reduce abstraction on these badly affected rivers. They have also teamed up with Southern Water to support their Universal Metering Programme, to significantly reduce the amount of water being taken from the Itchen.
