| Environment Agency 'Kennet Chalkstream Restoration Project' ARK is delighted to report that the Environment Agency (EA) has announced this project. Its objectives are completely in line with ARK's. We welcome it and have started discussions with the Agency's leader of the project Brian Hughes.
Commenting on the role of ARK in prompting this project, Brian Hughes said:
'ARK have played a part, along with others, by ensuring that the profile of the Kennet has remained high and that we in the Environment Agency are kept aware of its national importance as a chalkstream'. Over the last year the EA has identified shortfalls in knowledge, and has started to develop partnerships and formulate actions. Now it wants to make more rapid progress in planning the necessary actions and finding the funding and partnerships to deliver those actions. The agency plans: (1) to undertake more research into the Kennet, (2) to develop partnerships in restoring the River and (3) to secure external funding. The project team will be lead by the EA and comprise representatives of other external bodies, which we hope will include ARK. It will consult widely with all interested parties and keep them informed of progress. A charitable trust will be set up to co-ordinate the fund-raising and oversee the deployment of funds. The action plan will include both short term (0-5 years) and long-term (5 years plus) actions. The Agency plans to establish the basic mechanisms and trust fund this year so that real actions can start in 2005. ARK looks forward to participating fully in this exciting new development. (Written by Geoffrey Findlay, Vice-chairman, ARK)
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