Hopes and streams – BBC Countryfile

Fergus finds a calming connection to nature walking beside the River Usk

“I’m lucky to live near the River Usk in Monmouthshire. It flows fast over a stony riverbed and, in the stretch I know well, is lined with lithe alders and willows.

On mild spring days, I can watch trout rising for flies, spot shoals of minnows blackening the shallows and be buzzed by dippers and kingfishers. Nowhere else locally offers such variety of life and I head there when I need an instant connection to nature, as Kevin Parr explains beautifully, in his Stream Of Consciousness.

Yet, like so many of Britain’s rivers, this lovely waterway has a shadow on it. In summer, slimy algae chokes much of the riverbed and the life that should teem there. Fed by sewage, household grey water and run-off from animal waste and fertilisers, it is a creeping death that is replicated on hundreds of our rivers.

The decline of our rivers is a source of deep national shame. Campaigning journalist Nicola Cutcher exposes the grim tale and shares How To Heal Our Rivers.

But, as Nicola also reveals, all is not lost and I am optimistic things can be turned around. But we need to love our rivers – to visit them and enjoy their wild voices. So this special issue is devoted to celebrating our waterways, from the tiny upland becks of the Pennines in Discover: The North Pennies, to the legendary Pure Waters and chalk streams of the south, and the life and joy they promulgate. When you love something, you fight for it when it’s in trouble. With a bit of action, we can revive our rivers.

Fergus Collins, editor@countryfile.com

Don’t miss our nature and countryside Plodcast – available on all podcast providers

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS

Nicola Cutcher,

“Britain’s rivers are in a woeful state… A recent parliamentary report described many of our waterways as a ‘chemical cocktail’ of sewage, slurry and plastic.”

Matt Gaw,

“While kingfishers are not scarce on Britain’s waterways – there are an estimated 5,100 breeding pairs – seeing one still feels like a rare gift.”

Charles Rangeley-Wilson,

“It is possible to live side by side with wild, well-cared-for rivers. Chalk streams, because they are globally unique, should be our challenge.”

HOW TO CONTACT US

To subscribe or for subs enquiries:
Domestic telephone: 03330 162112
Overseas telephone: 01604 973720
Contact: www.buysubscriptions.com/contacts
Post: BBC Countryfile Magazine, PO BOX 3320, 3 Queensbridge, The Lakes, Northampton NN4 7BF

To talk to the editorial team:
Email: editor@countryfile.com
Telephone: 0117 300 8580 (answerphone; please email rather than call)
Post: BBC Countryfile Magazine, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST Advertising enquiries: 0117 300 8815 App support: http://apps.immediate.co.uk/support Syndication and licensing enquiries (UK and international): richard.bentley@immediate.co.uk +44 (0)207 150 5168