Information and Activity Stand for World Rivers Day- Stepping Stones, Box Hill- River Mole

Tag: Water Saving

Information and Activity Stand for World Rivers Day- Stepping Stones, Box Hill- River Mole

Join us at the Stepping Stones across the River Mole at Box Hill in Surrey on World Rivers Day, Sunday 22nd September, to learn more about the River Mole and what we are doing to help it thrive.

We will also have activities for children including a river dipping table, crafts and a river themed scavenger hunt.  

We will be joined by volunteers from River Mole River Watch who do extensive water quality testing along the River Mole which shows a true picture of the stresses the river is under as well as successful actions which have taken place due to their results.

Our stalls will be set up in by the Stepping Stones if they are passable, if the river level is too high we will be set up by the bridge. 

Stepping Stones Walk, London Rd, Dorking RH5 6AE. Google Map what3words ///belly.yarn.silver 

There is no need to book for any of the activities, just come along on the day. 

The bigger water saving picture

Posted on by Ian Lamont

The recent and prolonged dry spell has brought water scarcity in the UK into sharp focus. Several water companies in the south of England have triggered restrictions, including hosepipe bans.

On 12th August the Environment Agency declared drought in eight out of 14 water areas. Unfortunately, this is likely to be the future. We can’t just pray for rain. We need to regenerate river catchments and plan for the climate crisis. 

Robyn Shaw, Assistant Education and Engagement Officer at the South East Rivers Trust, looks at the factors around water scarcity and introduces our Water Saving Tips page, which emphasises that the issue is one we must all take responsibility for and think about all year round.

Junior River Ranger water saving competition

Posted on by Ian Lamont

Calling all children and families! Learn to love rivers this summer by becoming a Junior River Ranger and be entered into a special prize draw by showing us how you have saved water.

Enjoy our Junior River Ranger activities, then complete the form for this amazing summer holiday competition that will get the whole family out in nature.

Our fantastic competition’s deadline is Sunday 9th October.

First rain garden complete

Posted on by Ian Lamont

The weather could not have been better for our planting day at Sutton Council’s Denmark Road Offices, writes Charlene Duncan. This planting day was organised to enable staff members to contribute to the new rain garden. Thanks to the hard work of everyone who came out, the rain garden is now complete!

Nearly 30 members of staff volunteered their time to transform the area in front of the building. It was a great chance for staff to meet people from other departments and to socialise with colleagues.  Staff members gave what time they could, from 20 minutes to more than three hours!  Every contribution was greatly appreciated.

This rain garden is part of our SuDS in Sutton’s Schools project.  It demonstrates sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to the schools involved in the project and the wider community. SuDS are measures that divert water from the drains to reduce flood risk and improve the quality of water flowing into our rivers.

By waiting until the autumn to plant up the rain garden, we have increased the new plants’ chances of survival.  Planting during this summer’s drought would have meant the plants required a lot of watering.  While a bit of watering is still necessary for the newly planted garden, once established, the water from the offices’ downpipes will be all that is needed.

So, a massive thank you to all volunteers who gave up their time.  And, an extra thank you for those of you who could not give your time but offered moral support and encouragement on the day.  The garden is looking lovely and it’s all down to you.

Now all we need is some rain.

Watch our timelapse video of the rain garden being constructed