Work on an exciting new partnership project on the Rivers Dun, Shalbourne and Kennet begins in May 2021, with opportunities for people to get involved.
Work on the rivers
Residents in Shalbourne, Hungerford and surrounding areas are encouraged to take part in improving their local rivers and learning more about nature. Activities will include improving wildlife habitats on the River Dun, Shalbourne and Kennet, woodland and hedgerow planting, water quality testing and guided wildlife walks.
ARK’s Sparkling Streams project officer James Laurence King said “we are fixing problems on the river as well as problems on the land that affect the river, so we are working with the whole community including residents, farmers and schools. That means there are plenty of tasks to help with over the coming months, from planting trees to fixing footpaths and looking for water voles.”
Rain garden in Shalbourne
Rain gardens reduce and slow down the flow of storm water into the drainage system. This helps to prevent untreated waste overflowing into our rivers. Shalbourne’s rain garden has been designed by Wendy Allen, and whether you are a keen gardener or just want to spend some time outdoors, you’ll have the chance to learn about rain gardens, work alongside an RHS Gold Medal winning garden designer and a skilled conservation officer to create a beautiful new green space at Shalbourne CE Primary School. Tools and equipment are provided, you just need to book in advance.
Sparkling Streams
The Sparkling Streams project is a partnership between Action for the River Kennet, the Town and Manor of Hungerford and the Southern Streams Farmer Group, co-ordinated by North Wessex Downs AONB. This project is funded by the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
Volunteering opportunities can be found at www.riverkennet.org or by emailing james@riverkennet.org. For more information contact James Laurence King 07918 701 545.