Since its launch in 2022, there has been a whirlwind of activity for Get River Positive (GRP). Delivered in partnership with Severn Trent, Get River Positive is five pledges to transform river water quality by working with river groups, local communities and those most passionate about the environment. Over the past two years, activity has ranged from community engagement to the support of bathing water designation and even the re-introduction of beavers to the region. In our latest blog, Anglian Water’s Communications and Engagement Manager for Get River Positive, Katie Teesdale-Ward, reflects on the some of the most recent activity taken place.  
 
Natural innovation  

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Doddington Hall, located 6 miles outside of Lincoln, for the GRP independent River Health panel, which is made up of a broad spectrum of academic and river experts. The panel is chaired by Dr Alan Woods, who has a background in land and water policy. Alan is the former Chair of the Environment Agency’s Anglian Region Environment Protection Advisory Committee, the Welland Valley Partnership’s Resource Protection Group and Secretary of the Cam Valley Forum.  

Discussions for the day focused on one of the key projects, ‘Wilder Connections,’ which looks to enhance nature recovery through re-wetting projects, promoting community involvement, and empowering local communities with opportunities for wellbeing and skills development. The entire meeting was set against the backdrop of grazing Lincoln red cattle and house martins swooping by and adding their seal of approval.  

Set along the coastal line from Lincoln to the North Essex at Walton-on-the-Naze, we witnessed the clear reality of coastal erosion and climate change impacts with David Eagle, his son Sam, and Carol from the Essex Wildlife Trust. Their deep connection to the community and dedication to preserving the coastline was clear, urgent and focused. Staying within the Essex catchment Peter Thompson of the Tendring Farm Cluster showed us the huge body of work he’s doing with nature-based farming, biodiversity and future focused work. 
 

Supporting our farmers 

In a bid to support our region’s farmers, last year, we launched the farm cluster fund with the goal of supporting 10 farm clusters across the East of England, over a two-year period. Providing a fifth of the nation’s crops and a third of its vegetables, agriculture is the backbone of our region and like us, farmers need healthy rivers to help manage their land. Sediment run off and the use of pesticide and fertilisers, are all things that can impact the health and biodiversity of nearby rivers.  

This fund will enable farmers to work together on large-scale projects, to enhance water quality, improve water flow, manage flood risks, and increase biodiversity. All of which have far reaching benefits to the health of local rivers and streams. In addition to funding a greater scale of work, working as a cluster will provide farmers and landowners with greater access to knowledge sharing, as well the resources and funding opportunities available to them.  

We recently hosted an in-person workshop with representatives from each of these clusters. The purpose of the day was to give the clusters the chance to come together and brainstorm new ideas and work collaboratively to find solutions to overcome current challenges. The enthusiasm and team spirit at the event was infectious and it was amazing to see how beneficial programmes like this are to those involved. During the workshop, we also heard from former farm cluster lead Lizzie Emmett and Emily Pope from the Trinity Global Farm Pioneers, both of whom underscored the power of trust and shared goals in achieving landscape-scale change. 
 

Community-led 

Community engagement forms a huge part of GRP and we regularly meet with local communities and river groups to identify opportunities for collaborations and answer any concerns or questions. Here are a few of the recent community events we have attended - 

The River Deben Association’s annual general meeting 

Set in beautiful Woodbridge, Anglian Water’s Director of Quality and Environment, Dr Robin Price, saddressed the attendees of the River Deben AGM and shared his hope  for transparent discussions and collaborative effort in order to protect our rivers. Joined on the panel by local river activists Dr David Findley and Professor Bill Brammar, Robin highlighted the complexities of river quality issues, stressing that collective action at both the community and catchment levels will significantly accelerate and broaden improvements. With over 100 people in attendance, it’s evident that river quality, careful custodianship and care for the local rivers and bathing waters truly are at the heart of the community.  

Great Billing WRC with the Women's Institute 

The Women's Institue (WI) is actively campaigning for clean rivers, so it was great to be able to take them to Great Billing, one of the largest water recycling centres, to show them the water treatment process. These face-to-face meetings not only underscore the importance of community involvement and education but also highlight the significant role organisations like the WI play in highlighting social and environmental issues. The groups asked interesting questions and they engaged with warmth and humour.

Horncastle WRC with East Mercia Rivers Trust 

Along with our Treatment Manager, Danny Gillingham and his team, we took East Mercia Rivers Trust to Horncastle WRC to learn about the water recycling process.  

The East Mercia Rivers Trust has an extensive, established team of volunteers who are dedicated to improving the rivers and water courses in their region. They also have a small army of volunteer citizen scientists eager to learn about how water is treated.  

As always, the knowledge and enthusiasm from the WRC team was incredible and it was evident that there is a clear passion within Anglian Water for sharing our Get River Positive goals. 

Wheatfen Nature Reserve with Ted Ellis Trust 

Our time at the Wheatfen Nature Reserve with the Ted Ellis Trust was a biodiversity bonanza. The Ted Ellis Trust, founded to honour the legacy of the renowned British naturalist Ted Ellis, aims to preserve and manage the Wheatfen nature reserve for current and future generations. The reserve, managed by Sally-Ann Wilson, Will Fitch, Rebecca Carver, and local volunteers, is a haven for biodiversity and a green space open to anyone interested in reconnecting to nature.  
 
Projects supported through GRP, like Wheatfen, remind us of the importance of preserving natural habitats and the role of community-led initiatives in conservation. 

 
So, what’s next? 

Reflecting on these events, it's clear that the past few months have been marked by significant progress, valuable partnerships, and inspiring stories. Each visit and interaction reinforce our commitment to river health and environmental stewardship.  

It's easy to become immersed in the various projects and their significant impact across the Anglian Water region. However, these transformative initiatives are only possible with the unwavering passion, dedication, and commitment of the people and communities involved. It is their combined effort that truly drives meaningful change.