Integration forms the backbone of the Cam and Ely Ouse (CamEO)PARTNERSHIP Catchment BACKGROUND Partnership. Our aim is to work with existing partners - and make links with new ones - to protect and improve the rivers within the catchment. We’re looking at water quality, quantity, agriculture, industry, biodiversity and community needs and aim to find solutions that serve the interests of all of our stakeholders. Most importantly, we want all of our stakeholders, should they wish, to be able to get directly invovled! The catchment is defined by the land draining into the rivers

Wissey, Little Ouse, Lark and Cam, feeding into the Great Ouse. Local partnerships drive delivery within five main areas, connecting local enthusiasm and knowledge with management. © CamEO Partnership © Crown copyright and database

If you wish to know more about the partnership, subscribe/ right 2014. Ordnance Survey License unsubscribe from this newsletter or become involved, please number 100018507 contact Martin Bowes on [email protected] or visit our website www.cameopartnership.org

TACKLING AGRICULTURAL DIFFUSE POLLUTION WITH FARMHEADLINE BUSINESSES NEWS AND EUROPEAN PARTNERS!

Towards the end of last year, the CamEO hosts put together a bid for European LIFE funding to assist us with tackling one of our major catchment challenges – sediment and contaminant rich rainfall run-off from agricultural land (AKA agricultural diffuse pollution). This particular challenge affects large areas of our predominantly rural catchment, with upwards of 50% of the water bodies (rivers/ drains) having failing elements under the Water Framework Directive as a result.

Increased sediment loading can directly impact the invertebrate life and habitat availability within the river – consequently causing a knock-on detrimental effect on the wider biodiversity. Associated contaminants (e.g. pesticides, nutrients) can also impact the rate of plant growth (leading to eutrophication) and decrease the quality of drinking water sources. Equally important is the impact that this loss is having on farm business. If topsoil, fertilisers and pesticides are no longer in the field the n they are not doing the job that they were applied for. Therefore, it is in everyone’s interest to reduce this flashy water movement. Run-off can occur across natural features (sloping fields, bare ground) and also introduced features of regular farm mana gement (tramlines, farm gates, animal/vehicle tracks). The good news is that we were successful with our bid and now have a project plan in place to tackle the challenge head on.

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Interesting Reads: THE WATERLIFE PROJECT What does Brexit mean for our rivers, natural environments and policies? A HUGE WELCOME TO ED! http://waterlife.org.uk/2016/07/referendum-mean- WaterLIFE funding has allowed us to rivers/ bring Ed Bramham-Jones to the http://www.ieep.eu/assets/2000/IEEP_Brexit_2016.pdf CamEO team – working as Norfolk Rivers Trust’s new Farm Advisor. Ed What might Brexit mean for farming? has been hard at work since joining https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/ us, providing Water Sensitive Farming 11/rewilding-save-britains-farms-brexit-eu-subsidies advice to landowners within the http://www.nfuonline.com/news/eu-referendum/eu- CamEO catchment, particularly in the referendum-news/brexit-may-not-be-beneficial-for-uk- Wissey and Lark sub-catchments. farmers/ “I previously worked at Pensthorpe Natural Park in North Norfolk as Reserve Manager, overseeing the Estates land and farm management, including a mix https://www.fginsight.com/vip/vip/brexit-vote---what- of arable, grassland, woodland, watercourses and wetland habitats – so I’ve are-the-implications-for-uk-farming-13146 seen first hand how beautiful these environments can be and how important good farm management is. I’m really looking forward to getting more involved River Restoration Manual - http://www.therrc.co.uk/manual-river-restoration- the challenges that CaBA (the catchment-based approach) presents and working with CamEO farmers to make a real difference.” Ed Bramham-Jones techniques

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The WaterLIFE project is a collaboration between the EU LIFE, WWF and Coca Cola looking at improving soil and water management to reduce diffuse pollution entering water courses, especially the rare chalk streams, of which we have stunning examples in the East of England.

Over the next two years, the project aims to: 1. Deliver bespoke water sensitive farming advice to reduce Diffuse Water Pollution from Click here Agriculture (DWPA) in the River Wissey and Lark Catchments to help deliver WFD improvements. learn more about 2. Organise and hold at least 3 knowledge exchange event over the project for farmers the project & to share and develop best practice and support Basin scale up and behaviour change. Talk to Ed 3. Implementation of improvements to enhance soil and water quality over a minimum of 3,000 acres.

4. Conduct a minimum of 75 on-farm advisory visits. 5. Look at innovative and practical methods to improve water stewardship, soil management, yield improvements and other environmental benefits by implementing and promoting the ideas of: o Silt Trap type interventions including wetlands, ponds and ditch management (minimum 15) o Cover Crops o Soil Enrichment and quality o Reduced inputs o Reduced soil compaction through better cultivations, disruption of tramlines and reduction in traffic use. o Relocation of high risk gateways o Buffer strips and fencing of watercourses 6. Develop case studies on the economic and wider benefits to farmers for implementing soil and water quality improvements. 7. Work with other partners to spread key messages such as reduction in pesticide use through ‘Slug it out’ and Agri- Environment Scheme opportunities. 8. Support and host catchment visits from multi-national corporate organisations.

9. Share experiences with other WaterLIFE demonstration catchments and work closely with the Broadland Rivers Catchment demonstration, which is being delivered through the Norfolk Rivers Trust. The outputs of WaterLIFE will be projected throughout the entire catchment/region, delivering benefits for all of our partners.

EA SOFT ENGINEERING ON THE RIVER CAM RIVER LARK FISHERIES BOOST The River Lark is currently at poor status with sediment Large woody material has been installed to protect river and flow pressures, but thanks to partnership working banks from erosion and silt accumulation giving wider WFD and biodiversity benefits - Eroding banks were protected with (EA, Bury Trout Club, LAPS and Wild Trout Trust), 7km of

brushwood bundles and low berms narrowed the channel. this has been superbly restored, reducing the need for fish Large wood flow deflectors and hinging some bankside trees stocking and delivering widespread biodiversity benefits. created flow diversity.

A cattle drink was improved to prevent silt being released into The re-introduction of in-channel features that promote the channel by cattle poaching. The planting of low-growing trees (sallow, blackthorn, hawthorn) on outside of bends has natural processes, as well as the modification of structures provided cover for fish and shading of the watercourse. to ease fish passage, has been recognised nationally and The project involved Cambridge Trout Club, the work isn’t stopping here. Watch out for phase Wildlife Trust volunteers, landowners & four of the project in the near future. The Wild Trout Trust.

CAM CONSERVATORS, CAM VALLEY FORUM & EA BOURNE BROOK GIANT HOGWEED CONTROL JOIN FORCES TO TACKLE FLOATING PENNYWORT

A multi -year project is underway to control invasive non- Control methods have been either mechanical using a native Giant Hogweed on the Bourn Brook. Herbicide weed boat, hand pulled with the help of volunteers and with treatment is applied twice a year, in early spring and again herbicide application. A survey established the furthest in summer, stabilising the extent of hogweed invasion and upstream extent on the River Cam and effort has been resulting in a gradual reduction in the number of plants. focussed from this point downstream.

The benefits are much wider than just removing an unwanted plant species – removal leads to a reduction in As it has been a mild year the floating pennywort hasn’t diffuse pollution and sediment input into the river, helping stopped growing over the winter period so control has to prevent deterioration on fish and macro-invertebrates continued. Removal is essential to maintain navigation routes, and improve macrophyte diversity. increase the dissolved oxygen levels in the water, increase flow

diversity, flood capacity and prevent pump blockages.

Keep up the great work!

UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE CATCHMENT QUICK PROGRESS IN THE LARK 8th Sep 2016 NORMAC Demonstrations Hardingham CATCHMENT PARTNERSHIP 14th Sep 2016 Cam Catchment Meeting Cambridge

10th Oct 2016 CamEO Board Meeting Huntingdon

18th Oct 2016 Wissey Partnership Meeting Stoke Ferry

26th Oct 2016 WWF Sugar Beet Event TBC

4th Nov 2016 CamEO C&E Forum Huntingdon The River Lark Catchment Partnership is up and running and Nov/Dec 2016 Knowledge Exchange TBC looking to make a real contribution to improving the River Lark and its catchment, which covers almost all of West Suffolk. Since its Event for Agriculture first meeting in May last year, a number of community and statutory organisations have joined the Partnership with interests February 2017 CamEO Conference TBC in different parts of the river. The Partnership is now receiving some initial funding for its work including an Environment Agency grant towards river restoration work in the Bury St Edmund area by For additional information on volunteers. See the website www.riverlark.org.uk for further events, please contact Martin information. on 07725608593

Our CAMEO CHAMPIONS! – EACH EDITION WE’LL BRING YOU A SHORT PIECE ON EACH OF OUR KEY PARTNERS

CURRENT ROLE TITLE AND TEAM: Natural Catchment and Biodiversity Manager

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE? Joined Anglian Water in March 2013

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE?

“I had a 20-year career with the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire during which I spent time managing nature reserves, working on planning, policy and legislation issues and also 10 years running the Great Fen Project. I was the Director of Living Landscapes before I left.”

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?

“The catchment part of my work is about working with organisations delivering the catchment-based approach across our region to identify opportunities for collaboration and develop a shared understanding of each others’ needs and objectives. This will help us to collectively work towards enhancing our rivers and associated habitats to meet Water Framework Directive targets. I’m also responsible for Anglian Water’s biodiversity work. My team is responsible for the management of our Sites of Special Scientific Interest, enhancing biodiversity on our assets and working with others to protect biodiversity across the region.” CATCHMENT PARTNERSHIP ACTION FUND (CPAF) PROJECTS REACH COMPLETION Hoffer Brook Breathes New Life After 30 Years of Neglect With the stream bed regularly covered with silt (during periods of low flow) and excessive tree coverage, the Hoffer Brook was in need of some major TLC. Step forward Ruth Hawksley (Wildlife Trust BCN) and Rob Mungoven (South Cambs DC) who, with the assistance of CPAF and match funding, were able to deliver 1.2km of brook improvements thoughout the latter half of 2015 into the spring of 2016. A major part of the project was a sensitive desilt of the watercourse - with the silt load being very large, the aim was to scour areas of chalk bed. This was carried out by a contractor, under close supervision to ensure only silt was removed. The contractor was also able to place gravel at two locations to create a gravel glide (approx. length 8Om) and to reinforce a damaged section of bank. Prior to the desilt, volunteers constructed a series of ledges and flow deflectors in the brook, which were later reinforced with some of the denser silt. Deflectors were packed with gravel or chalky material containing flint to prevent leakage. In order for the machine to desilt the brook, tree work was undertaken for access. The aim was to leave as much as possible - crown-lifting larger trees rather than removing them, but the end result has opened up the brook and lets in much more light. It also means local people can see the brook, and they have been very appreciative of this. Some of this work was carried out by contractors and some by volunteers. In addition 8 willows along the brook (and beside a public footpath) have been re-pollarded. Key outcomes: o Decreased silt accumulation and improved flows for natural exposure and maintenance of the chalk bed, o Gravel shoal completed with a trout seen spawning around 2 months later, o Opening up of tree and scrub cover so that aquatic plants can begin to establish and further improve flow diversity, o Better views of the brook, local publicity of the project and more interest from local people as well as enthusiasm and positive comments, o Landowner engagement and interest in the brook, o 10 willows re-pollarded and 4 new pollards created to extend the life of the trees, allow light to reach the brook, improve views of the brook from the public footpath and provide good habitat for invertebrates.

Monitoring undertaken so far: o Fish survey 24/09/2015 – Future work: delayed to occur after in-stream project work, in particular If funding is available future work will include: flow deflectors and ledges on Beat 3. Beat 1 of the survey o Encouraging the formation of local “friends” group for was downstream of the current project area to compare a Hoffer Brook, section restored the previous year, o A further desilt to improve flow between the footpath o Invertebrate survey – three survey points in current work bridge and the railway bridge, area, surveys identify invertebrates to family level and o Further tree work / unblocking upstream of the current calculate BWMP and ASPT scores, project area, o Project photos, o Maintenance of the existing project area including removal o Public opinion surveys via face to face discussions. of litter, small amounts of scrub work and possibly further structures, Future monitoring work: o Gravel placed in an area downstream of the railway bridge o Continue invertebrate surveys approximately 6 monthly, for which consent has already been obtained, o Repeat fish survey if funds can be found, o Consideration of improving flow near a sinkhole area where Continue to take photos at selected sites. the stream dries up. CATCHMENT PARTNERSHIP ACTION FUND (CPAF) PROJECTS REACH COMPLETION Re-naturalisation of MOD Land Leads to Increased Flood Resilience in the Upper River Wissey Delivered by Norfolk Rivers Trust throughout the winter of 2105/16, the Wissey CPAF project created a series of semi-natural features to improve the functionality of the river system flowing past Ickburgh:

Use of Large Woody Debris (all wood sourced from site) To enhance the flow and morphological (hydromorphology) diversity, large woody debris (LWD) was installed, in-channel, to create a pinch-point for the river. This aids the development of depositional features (i.e. areas where fine sediment collects naturally), whilst also directing flows to clean and scour gravels and provide marginal cover for river biota. Work also included the creation of log jams and brushwood fine sediment traps to improve the efficiency of this sediment transport plan. Bed raising and bank re-profiling Previously removed gravels were put back into the river to restore the natural morphology within stretches – this included the creation of riffle-pool sequences and establishment of good quality environments for invertebrates and fish spawning (particularly brown trout).

Floodplain reconnection The new features have created lateral connectivity with the floodplain, allowing fine sediments to be deposited during high flow events and creating marginal habitats for river life. A series of shallow, temporal ponds were also created in the reconnected areas to increase biodiversity such as dragonflies within the newly reconnected floodplains. Weir bypass Reconnection of a bypass channel on Buckenham Tofts Weir has opened up the full stretch of the upper Wissey, allowing fish and eels to migrate up and down the river to spawn and thrive in appropriate habitats.

Monitoring A comprehensive suite of monitoring - both pre and post delivery - has/is being implemented to measure the morphological and ecological changes taking place over the next three years. This includes: Fixed point photography, Aquatic invertebrate, Aquatic Macrophyte, Fish & Water vole monitoring. PARTNERSHIP OVERVIEW

CamEO is co-hosted by Anglian Water and the Rivers Trust, who are working together to support the development of the partnership and ensure that stakeholder engagement is maximised in the catchment.

The Rivers Trust Anglian Water

There is an increasing As the water awareness of the company supplying importance of clean water and recycling used water from more than six million managing rivers (for wildlife) and their ecosystems (as homes and businesses in one of the fastest growing and driest environmental and ecological service providers) in an integrated regions in the country, Anglian Water knows just how vital water is catchment-based approach. The Rivers Trust can assist, influence to us all. The availability of a secure water supply underpins the and develop this in a positive way, aiming to 1) co-ordinate, area’s growth and economy. Making sure that there is sufficient represent and develop the aims and interests of the member Trusts water to meet these needs and the needs of the environment is at in the promotion of sustainable, holistic and integrated catchment the heart of what we do. Recognising the importance of water both management, and 2) undertake sound environmental practices, now and in the future, Anglian Water launched their ‘Love Every recognising the wider economic benefits for local communities and Drop’ strategy in 2010, to encourage everyone who lives or works in the value of education. the region to put water at the heart of a new way of living.

We are working hard to align the business priorities in our catchment under the Water Stewardship Board:

This work would not be possible without strong support from our sub-catchment partnerships and local engagement throughout the catchment.

Cam Catchment Partnership River Lark Partnership Wissey Partnership

Operating within the Cam, Rhee & Granta As the newest member of our sub- Formed under the DEFRA catchment pilot and Lower Cam sub-catchments, the Cam catchment partnerships, the River Lark studies, the Wissey partnership is now an Catchment Partnership has an influential group is currently progressing well with essential contributor to CamEO, working role to play in improving water quality in its formation. The Bury Water Meadows together to produce a river improvement the southern region of the Cam and Ely group (partnership host) are working hard plan for the region. Ouse management catchment. to understand the local issues and needs

in the area.

The Environment Agency form a key part of CamEO’s structure, supporting the partnership with data, evidence and expertise and offering a direct contact with River Basin Management Planning.

The Environment Agency

The Environment Agency supports activities with evidence, expertise, advice and guidance at local, operational or management catchment scale. The Environment Agency, as regulator, can complement appropriate voluntary initiatives, and will also work locally to deliver projects and initiatives either directly or in collaboration with others where this meets Water Framework Directive or other Environment Agency objectives for improving the water environment.