It has been a very positive and productive period for the W.A.T.E.R. (Wriggle Action Towards Environmental Resilience) Group, with a series of successful meetings held with key stakeholders. These discussions continue to build momentum behind the Brister End Sponge Trial (B.E.S.T) and our shared goal of improving the health of the River Wriggle.
Encouragingly, there have been no recorded Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) discharge events for over six weeks. This has already shown how resilient nature can be when given the chance to recover. In just the past few days, we have seen a pair of kingfishers, grey wagtails, and a pair of greater spotted woodpeckers actively feeding at a nest beside the river, a fantastic sign of ecological improvement.
We are also proposing a community litter pick along a heavily affected stretch of the River Wriggle, helping to further improve the local environment and bring people together in support of the river.
Preparations are now well underway for the upcoming public meeting, which will be attended by Edward Morello, Matt Wheeldon, and the Chair of the Wriggle River Improvement Group. This is a key opportunity for the community to hear directly from those involved and to support the plans moving forward.
We are hopeful for strong local attendance. Community support is essential, without it, the pilot project to reduce the surcharging of untreated sewage at Brister End and Brierly Hay, and to reduce discharges into the River Wriggle, simply cannot succeed.
If you care about the future of our river, please get involved and attend the meeting.