Citizen Science
Since 2021, CRKC has undertaken citizen science work to understand the health of the river Kent. This work helps to inform and support our campaign to protect it.
1. Faecal Bacteria Testing
In 2021/22 we monitored water quality at 6 sites along the river for faecal bacteria (Ecoli & Enterococcus) and created a report to summarise the results.
2. Phosphate and Nitrate Testing
In 2022/23, we tested levels of phosphates and nitrates in the river, as well as other ecological indicators of water health, as part of a national programme co-ordinated by Freshwater Watch.
3. Apportionment Testing
In 2024, we ran a research programme, in partnership with the University of Sheffield, to explore the sources of faecal bacteria in the river - from human or ruminant. Full report due in July 2025.
Read the Research proposal here
4. Partnership with Surfers Against Sewage
In 2025 we are taking part in a nationwide monitoring programme to test a range of chemicals, including ‘forever’ plastics.
River Kent Interactive Map
CRKC has created a multi-layered interactive map (here’s a user guide) to build up a full picture about the state of the river Kent, from where and when incidents are occurring, to the location of outflows, ours and our partners’ monitoring data and much more - to help inform our future work.
Credit to Russ Hore.