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05
Aug 2023
Volunteers begin testing River Nidd water quality
Volunteers lined the banks of the River Nidd and its tributaries this week to test water quality as part of a major clean-up campaign.
Nidd Action Group coordinated the activity as part of a bid to achieve bathing water status, which would require organisations to take measures to improve water quality.
It follows concerns about the state of the river and reports of bathers falling ill at Knaresborough Lido.
Nidd Action Group includes conservationists, anglers, academics and residents. Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones is also supporting the initiative by gathering data on the number of people using the river at the Lido.
On Thursday afternoon, 40 volunteers dipped test kits into the Nidd at various points from the upper reaches at Scar House, north of Pateley Bridge, right down to Moor Monkton, close to where the Nidd joins the River Ouse.
Volunteers learning to take samples last month.
A second round of sampling will take place late next month before a bid for bathing water status is submitted to the government.
David Clayden, chairman of Nidd Action Group, said this week's sampling appeared to go well.
He added:
A second round of sampling will take place late next month in the same locations but in different weather and river conditions.
Bilton Conservation Group volunteers sampling at Oak Beck on Thursday.
Shirley Hare and Warren Considine with a sample from Oak Beck.
Mr Clayden said the results would then be shared and "we will identify any inferences that can be drawn, and discuss any actions, beneficial to the river, that might be taken".
Sampling took place ar Scar House Reservoir, Lofthouse, How Stean Gorge, Low Sikes, Ramsgill, Wath, Pateley Bridge, Glasshouses, Summerbridge, Birstwith, Crag Hill Farm, Ripley Beck, Killinghall, along Oak beck in Bilton, Nidd Viaduct, Knaresborough, Crimple Beck, Little Ribston, Hunsingore and Moor Monkton
Mr Clayden commended the volunteers for their commitment and thanked Yorkshire Dales River Trust, a charity based in Pateley Bridge. for assembling the sampling kits and the Environment Agency staff who also undertook sampling.
Read more:
- Volunteers turn out in force to support campaign for cleaner River Nidd
- Council backs bid for River Nidd bathing water status
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