Project Groups

River Wansbeck Water Testing Project

A community-led citizen science project to better understand and protect the health of the River Wansbeck catchment.

Climate Action Wansbeck is starting a community-led water testing project across the River Wansbeck catchment. Working with local volunteers, we want to build a clearer picture of the health of our river, streams, and tributaries, and help local people better understand the pressures affecting our waterways.

Using the FreshWater Watch citizen science approach, volunteers will collect simple but useful water quality data, including indicators such as nutrients, turbidity, and observations about the surrounding environment. Over time, this will help us spot patterns, identify areas of concern, and support wider conversations about river health, pollution, biodiversity, and catchment care.

This project is not about replacing professional monitoring or enforcement. It is about bringing local knowledge, regular observation, and community action together so that people across Wansbeck and South East Northumberland can better protect the river that connects us.