As a business we are always trying to help the environment as best we can. Whether this is by changing the chemicals in our spray shop, finding better working alternatives for materials, or providing support to our local community.

 
 In light of International Day Of Action For Rivers on Saturday 14th of March, we are bringing a slightly different blog this month.
 
For some time now we have been actively helping bring awareness to our local environment, particularly the wonderful river that runs through Radwell. With only 225 chalk rivers worldwide, the upper River Ivel is one of 180 found here in England, making it a rare and wonderful part of our eco-system that must be treasured.

As a company, we are working with RevIvel, a local charity, to help protect the river and raise awareness for the growing concerns surrounding its existence. RevIvel aims to secure a regular flow rate throughout the river that continues year-round. With water flow and quality restored it is hoped that Brown Trout will return to the Upper Ivel, a place that was once famous for having trout in abundance. This follows with it a habitat that is capable of once again supporting an array of wildlife, from birds to crustaceans, plants and beyond.
 
For 16 months between August 2018 to December 2019, the river had no flow between its source at Ivel Springs and Radwell. The upper 1 1/2 miles had dried out completely by the time that it reached the summer of 2019. Until recently the river had remained relatively empty, despite significant amounts of rainfall throughout recent months. However, the lack of water is not entirely down to low rainfall or climate change. Over recent years the river flow rate has been reduced dramatically by over-abstraction.                                                        

The aquifer, which is the source of this unique chalk river is being drained of its contents by Affinity Water, who use it as a cheaper option due to its purity. In turn, the springs and the river are being left dry, ultimately effecting the wider ecosystem. This river was once home to a plethora of wildlife year-round, however, with a lack of water, current wildlife levels have depleted. Fewer Kingfisher, no water vole or otter, and less fish. As a result of this over-abstraction, the river valley dries up, leading to poor river flow, subsequently making the river uninhabitable for much wildlife.
 
In November 2019 North Hertfordshire District Council voted in favour of a motion that declared the situation an environmental emergency. As a result, it was decided to question Affinity Water and the Environment Agency, over its plans to continue abstraction. RevIvel, our local association, had planned to attend a Baldock area council meeting on March 23rd, alongside both the Environmental Agency and Affinity Water.  Unfortunately, the meeting has now been cancelled.  RevIveI plans to continue to question both Affinity Water and the Environment Agency, regarding the abstraction rates. They are pushing to have the flow of the river measured and to have abstraction rates linked to the flow.  They propose that when flow rates drop below a certain level, Affinity Water will be required to augment the flow. We must create a link between the lack of river flow and the abstraction to hold those responsible accountable.
 
We all need to work together to protect the River Ivel and other environmental wonders for future generations to come!
To get involved with RevIvel and their amazing work you can contact them at membership@revIvel.org or info@revivel.org, Twitter IvelRev and Facebook RevIvel Radwell.
 
We need to make changes now before it's too late.
Get in touch with your local association today to see where you can offer your support and help.

As companies, we must help where we can, to implement other alternative ways of working that won't continue to damage the environment and its natural systems.