River Wear is Star of the Show
The Wear Rivers Trust, are to feature on an up and coming episode of one of the BBC’s most popular family shows, the hit series, Countryfile.
In November 2011, the Environment Agency announced that the River Wear as one of the top ten most improved rivers in the country. This has resulted and the BBC contacting The Trust to find out how this has been achieved.
During the past two years the Wear Rivers Trust has been involved with improving fish passage all the way along the Wear from Sunderland, to its source near Cowshill in Weardale. As part of this they have been carrying out habitat improvements and setting up water quality monitoring teams
The Countryfile shoot involved project officer, Steve Hudson collecting invertebrate samples with Presented Julia Bradbury and discussing how these play a key role in monitoring the health of the River Wear and ultimately providing a crucial link in the food chain.
Caption – Steve Hudson explaining about the importance of water quality monitoring using stream invertebrates
Commeting afterwards, Project Officer, Steve Hudson said: “To get recognition of this magnitude is highly rewarding and a proud moment for me, the Trust and of course everyone who has contributed to the various projects we have set up and are currently running.”
“Meeting Julia Bradbury and the camera crew was very surreal to begin with but this publicity proves we are making swift progress and have a very promising future. It is also a testament to the hard work and commitment of so many people.”
The Trust is a member of the Association of River Trusts and works with the local community throughout the catchment of the Wear from the source in Upper Weardale to the coast to conserve, protect, restore and improve the rivers and streams of the catchment.
The episode on April 1st will feature items from a number of different conservation, angling and community groups who have all been involved in the rejuvenation of our fantastic river.
Caption – Countryfile presenter, Julia Bradbury getting stuck in with collecting a kick sample
Further information about the Trust can be found on www.wear-rivers-trust.org.uk
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All media enquiries to Barbara Huddart – Glendale PR, [email protected]
07980850 394 – 01668283044
Wear Rivers Trust
Low Barns Nature Reserve
Witton-le-Wear
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 0AG
Tel: 01388 488867 / mob: 07849178866
