You might have seen the Channel 4 docudrama about the plight of our rivers. It was quite disturbing but not news to many people who have been campaigning and researching river and water health in the UK. But how does this affect us in Bedford and closer to home in Shortstown?
Our local river
Our major waterway is the River Great Ouse which winds its way through Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire as it makes its way to the Wash near King's Lynn. It's over 140 miles long (some suggest it's nearer 160 miles). It is the fifth or sixth longest river in the UK.
A serious pollution problem
Currently the river has a "moderate" ecological status but that belies a serious issue with pollution. Only 14% of rivers in England are rated to be in good ecological health and none achieved good chemical health. In 2025 sewage spills into the river occurred over 300 times and lasted for a total of 1,600 hours. Sadly the Great Ouse is currently the fourth most polluted river in the country.
Monitoring the water
In recent years the Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust (BedsGOVET) has been monitoring the river, testing for nitrates, phosphates, ammonia and E. coli. The figures are alarming. Volunteers go out once a month and test the water at 20+ sites across the county. Levels of E. coli regularly exceed safe levels as do phosphates and nitrates. It's not a very pretty picture.
Reasons for hope
But there is hope. By regular sampling along the river, data is being collected to give a clear picture of what is happening to the river. The data helps provide evidence and supports research.
The vision is to see:
- A clean, pollutant-free River Great Ouse.
- Designated bathing water status for certain sections.
- Enhanced biodiversity and a connected nature corridor.
- A river that promotes well-being for residents and visitors.
Get involved
If you want to learn more about the BedsGOVET then visit the website at https://bedsgovet.org/
You might even want to consider volunteering.
