Living lab: Investigating water pollution within a Protected Landscape

If you are concerned about the state of your local streams and rivers, this workshop is for you.

Join us for an exciting day learning about the New Forest as an Important Freshwater Landscape and the impact that nutrient pollution is having on this internationally important area. This session will be an opportunity to gain an insight into how we identify sources of pollution and how we tackle this in partnership.

The session will be led by Gemma Stride. Gemma is the Regional Programme Manager for Freshwater Habitats Trust in the New Forest and is currently undertaking a part-time PhD on the impact of pollution management on freshwater biodiversity in the New Forest with Bournemouth University.

We will start our day at Deorfrith Lodge in Lyndhurst where Gemma will deliver a one hour indoor session. There is limited free parking at this venue, however we recommend car sharing wherever possible.

We will then walk to another location in the New Forest where we will conduct a catchment walkover survey, including water quality testing, to investigate water quality in the headwaters of the Beaulieu River.

Parking and Directions

Deorfrith Lodge is located in Lyndhurst (maps link here, W3W///dentures.texted.daring). Directions to the Lodge can be found on their website - Deorfrith Lodge | Lyndhurst Scout Group (1st New Forest North).

There is limited parking available at the Lodge (around 10 spaces). Please let us know when registering whether you plan to drive yourself so we know whether to arrange additional parking.

For the outdoor session, we will be walking from Deorfrith Lodge to a second location in the New Forest to conduct a catchment walkover. The walk will be around 2.5km on the open forest, stout footwear or wellies are recommended.

Session Plan

9:30 - 10:15: Indoor session discussing the New Forest as an Imporant Freshwater Area, impacts and problems that the New Forest is facing and the possible solutions.

10:15 - 10:30: Tea, coffee & biscuit break

11:00 - 13:00: Walk to the Beaulieu River to conduct a catchment walkover survey, including water quality testing.

13:00 - 13:30: Final wrap up, Q&A before heading back to the Lodge and driving home.

Notes - the above timings are a guideline, exact timings may vary.

What do I need to bring?

• Enough water for the day and snacks if desired (tea, coffee and biscuits provided)
• Sturdy footwear e.g. walking boots, wellies
• Suitable clothing e.g. waterproofs, layers (hats, coats, jumpers), sun cream
• Notetaking equipment (e.g. pen and paper) if desired
• Any medications you require

Cancellations

This event may be rescheduled in the case of poor weather e.g. high winds. If the event is cancelled or postponed, we will aim to notify you via email within 24 hours of the event where possible. Please keep an eye on your emails prior to the event.

Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.