Main Photo: Cranleigh Angling Society (www.cranleighangling.co.uk)
Do you have stories to share about water related joys and sorrows in Cranleigh and Ewhurst? Do you or someone you know have access to a waterway? We would like to hear from you.
For some years a team of enthusiastic residents, under the banner of Cranleigh Civic Society, have kept an eye on water quality in and around the local area. We count numbers of riverfly larvae upstream and downstream of Cranleigh. These are a good indication of water quality.
The above phtograph shows Olives Baetidae. Baetidae is a large family of mayflies, often called Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs), especially the Baetis genus, known for their abundant hatches in streams, serving as crucial trout food, identifiable by their two tails, tiny hindwings, and olive/gray bodies, with nymphs scraping algae and adults focused solely on reproduction. They’re widespread, hatch frequently (spring/fall), and are a favourite among anglers for their distinct, often messy, emergence. We also get many shrimp, but don’t get excited they are tiny and would fall through the BBQ grill.
Using simple, but expensive citizen science test kits we have reported readings of simple pollution levels to Surrey Wildlife Trust and latterly the Wey River Trust and Water Rangers. We are indebted to the support of Liz Townsend our Surrey County Councillor who continues to grant us funds for the kits over years.
In simple terms we are looking for trends in pollution and happily to date have found little to cause significant concern, so far.
This picture shows the test for nitrates, chlorine, pH and others. In this case a low nitrate content – good.
Tom Shopland, who is employed by South East Rivers Trust, has recently moved into the area and is keen to help us all develop this team and bring in more enthusiastic local community members. Tom brings expertise in managing natural waters that can go further and help us all get more out of the wonderful nearby countryside
Water is becoming increasingly stressed in our modern world. We hope to cultivate connection and share learnings towards positive futures.
It is no secret that our local fresh water supply is under, pardon the pun, a lot of pressure and even more so our waste treatment infrastructure. Only 2 years ago did we have the indignity of raw sewage in some gardens near Cranleigh waste treatment plant. With Tom’s help we believe he can help get change under way, with getting the funding required. Early days yet, but fingers crossed.
Where can we enjoy walking and relaxing beside rivers and streams in and around Cranleigh and Ewhurst? Would you like to learn more about our local waterways? Including walks, talks, and ways to monitor and improve the health of water. We welcome people of all ages to participate.
Do you have contact information you would be happy to share for people to get in touch?
If the answer is yes to any of the questions we would like to hear from you.
Many thanks, Sue, Trevor, Tom, Cathy, Fizz, Gerry, Claire, Brian, Mark, and Martin.
