Introduction

In March 2011, the UK government announced that it would fundamentally review its river basin planning strategy (see here for the latest River Basin Management Plans) in the context of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). As part of this review, Defra launched its pilot phase of the Catchment Based Approach (CaBA), aimed at providing a clear understanding of the issues within a catchment and to involve local communities in the decision-making process. For north Kent, the process is being undertaken by the North Kent Catchment Improvement Group, jointly hosted by the partnership and South East Rivers Trust.

Together our vision is:

• To work in partnership with local communities, towards improving the ecological condition of the estuary and its tributaries.
• To raise awareness of the importance of the estuary, along with the necessity of striking a balance between the needs of people and wildlife.

Getting involved

Since its establishment, the group has collected data from across the area in order to develop a Catchment Action Plan for north Kent, covering both the estuary and its freshwater tributaries. You can assist us by:

Commenting on the Action Plan

Take a look at the Action Plan and let us have your comments/suggestions at: info@msep.org.uk 

Volunteering

Many of the actions identified require volunteer assistance. If you would like to help us improve the estuary or any of the watercourses highlighted on the map below, then we would love to here from you at the above e-mail address.

Project Area 

Medway Swale Estuary

Ecological Status* – Moderate

The estuary is of international importance to wildlife, supporting huge populations wintering waders and wildfowl, but faces a complex array of issues, that will take time and resources to address successfully. However, with key issues such as invasive species and pollution, volunteers can play an important role in improving the estuary’s health. You can find the latest catchment data for the estuary here.

1- Swale Tributary – Lower Halstow (also once known as The Libbet)

Ecological Status – Moderate

We’ve yet to start work on developing projects here, but hope to soon. So please get in touch if you can assist us.

2 – The Iwade Stream – Iwade

Ecological Status – Moderate

With the support of the parish council and Swale Borough Council, we have put together a master plan for the village’s community area, which includes the Iwade stream and an adjacent traditional orchard.

3 – The Westbrook – Faversham

Ecological Status – Moderate

Using the draft plan, we have identified a number key actions for the stream and working alongside the Friends of the Westbrook and Stonebridge Pond, are developing a number of projects to take forward. You can find out more about the friends and their work here .

4 – The White Drain – Boughton-under-Blean

Ecological Status – Poor

Whilst we are primarily working alongside landowners adjacent to the stream, there are still areas where we would like to involve the local community, so please get in touch if you would like to assist us.

*According to Water Framework Directive measures. Ecological status describes the degree to which human uses of the water environment have altered the structure and functioning of aquatic plant and animal communities. Water bodies are assigned one of five ecological status classes: ‘high’, ‘good’, ‘moderate’, ‘poor’ and ‘bad’. ‘High’ ecological status represents an ecology relatively undisturbed by man. ‘Good’ ecological status means that human activities have had only slight impacts on the ecological characteristics of aquatic plants and animal communities.