Many of you who stand up paddleboard on the south coast will be familiar with Christchurch Harbour. The smaller cousin of Poole harbour is currently under severe pressure with sewage and agricultural run-off. If you live, work or study in Bournemouth Council or the surrounding areas you can help now by signing a petition.
Location: Christchurch Harbour, Dorset
As a paddleboarder you may have experienced a similar story to the one we about to tell of pollution local to you that has meant you have been unable to enjoy the basic freedom of your local waters due to poor water quality. If so, it may well be time to take action. If like us you have spent time in Christchurch Harbour, read on to see how you can help.
To say that Christchurch harbour is beautiful is an understatement but sadly this belies the current state of the water. These waters are known as a fantastic place to learn and enjoy paddleboarding and the myriad of other watersports popular amongst the local community. These safe waters are understandably ideal for youngsters and newcomers to our sport. However, in recent months and indeed years the water quality has gradually deteriorated to the level whereby locals are missing days on the water for themselves and their children due to the risk of getting sick.
Christchurch Harbour is fed by two rivers, the Stour which flows down from Blandford, past Wimborne and passes through the BCP cornurbation and the Avon which flows from the north past Ringwood.
There are numerous sewage plants that connect with the rivers that are ‘under invested’ and unable to cope with the sheer amount of waste water that they are obliged to treat. In addition during heavy rains the outflow just above Christchurch pumps sewage waste directly into the Avon. As a result tests have shown that phosphate levels and nitrate levels alone are off the charts.
The implications for aquatic life and casual water users are significant. Thankfully the organisation Chams (Christchurch Harbour & Marine Society) are working on raising support, awareness and organising action on behalf of residents and watersports enthusiasts. This is where you come in!
The reality is that this problem will take time to fix but steps must be taken now to fix this for ourselves and our children. For those of you who this particular issue applies to and even those who do not live directly nearby but have a leisure interest, please consider signing this government petition setup by Chams. It really can the make the difference!
2000 signatures are needed for the council to take this issue to the next level whereby discussions and action can begin to be taken. Until that occurs, nothing will happen. As a result we have posted a direct link to the Council petition and also to the Chams Facebook support group. This is an achievable goal. Every signature helps so please consider sharing this with your family and friends.
Other links that may be of interest:
Remember if you are experiencing similar issues locally to you please consider contacting your local MP or better still get a group of like minded individuals together to arrange your own petition. The first step is often the hardest. If you would like to get in touch with us to find out how to do this, use our contact form.
All the best.
The Team
The post Christchurch Harbour Pollution Crisis appeared first on BSUPA.
