News

Pollution events on the Lambourn detected
Pollution events on the Lambourn detected
01 December 2024
ARK’s water quality monitoring led by Professor Michael Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Microbiology at UCL has identified three clear pollution events in just seven sampling occasions on the River Lambourn.

Testing shows E.coli concentrations at 10 times the Bathing Water Standards, highlighting significant water quality issues. The sewerage system, overwhelmed by rainfall and groundwater, frequently spills directly into the river through stormwater drains, posing both public health risks and potential ecological damage.

The Lambourn is an internationally rare chalk stream, it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
 
See our full report for further details .
Crayfish - can we eat them to beat them?
Crayfish - can we eat them to beat them?
16 July 2024
An article on the BBC this week suggested that we might solve the problem of American Signal Crayfish by eating them. We don't agree. Read our position statement here.
Come and see Great Bedwyn's Rain Gardens
Come and see Great Bedwyn's Rain Gardens
30 May 2024
Catching rain to make a greener, cleaner more beautiful village. Action for the River Kennet have been working with the community in Great Bedwyn to find ways to manage rain better to reduce flooding and pollution. Read more here



ARK and Angling Trust call for urgent action to stop sewage pollution
ARK and Angling Trust call for urgent action to stop sewage pollution
30 April 2024
In an urgent appeal to the water services industry regulator OFWAT, the Environment Agency (EA), and Steve Barclay MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Angling Trust and Action for the River Kennet (ARK) have raised significant concerns regarding ongoing sewage pollution issues in the Kennet, Lambourn and Pang river catchments, overseen by Thames Water. Full press release. Full letter.
We're hiring!
We're hiring!
19 December 2023
We are recruiting for a new project officer. Full details on the ARK team page here. Closing date for applications 12 January 2024.
New seating at Wild River Reserve
New seating at Wild River Reserve
05 December 2023

A new recycled plastic bench is now in situ at Stonebridge Wild River Reserve, Marlborough. To read the full press release click here.

Kennet faces new threat from disposable vapes
Kennet faces new threat from disposable vapes
04 December 2023
Action for the River Kennet (ARK) is supporting the call to ban disposable vapes, having identified them as new and concerning threat to the River Kennet.

At the charity’s recent annual Big Litter Pick in Marlborough volunteers waded the Kennet from Stonebridge Lane to Figgins Lane bridge in the centre of town removing 424 items from the river.

To read our full press release click here

Visit our Vapes Polluting Our Rivers webpage
ARK wins award at Newbury Show
ARK wins award at Newbury Show
29 September 2023
Action for the River Kennet (ARK) was awarded the Trentham Conservation & Environment Award by the Newbury and District Agricultural Society (read more)
Sewage keeps children out of river
Sewage keeps children out of river
21 June 2023
Pollution from untreated sewage in the River Kennet kept school children out of the water for their safety yesterday.  Read the full press release here. [Read more]
ARK response to Thames Water Draft Water Resource Management Plan
ARK response to Thames Water Draft Water Resource Management Plan
14 March 2023
ARK has issued a cautious welcome to Thames Water's WRMP but called for more ambition on leakage and water efficiency. Read the full response here.