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September 2025

  • Date published

    Monday, 29 September 2025

News from the team

After the long, hot, dry, summer we’ve had some much-welcomed rain, which has greened up the landscape and is helping river levels return to normal for the time of year. With the autumn equinox behind us, the days are getting shorter and the DCP team are busy arranging and attending meetings. Zoë and Holly are in the final stages of completing their Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management course “Introduction to the UK Water Industry”, it has been fascinating to learn more about all aspects of the water industry from supply, treatment, legislation, and future challenges. Holly will be returning to university soon to start her second year of her Environmental Management degree apprenticeship. After two months in her role of Catchment Partnership Officer, Janine is finding her feet and is proving to be a great asset to the team. 

The Dorset Catchment Partnership team were public facing recently running a stall at the Discovery Fest in Swanage; hosted by the Dorset Coast Forum and Planet Purbeck. Janine and Zoë braved the wind and rain to inform the public about Catchment Partnership work across Dorset, as well as the importance of citizen science. With a fascinating array of macroinvertebrates on display, the event sparked high levels of interest and positive engagement from attendees. Building upon last month’s visit from Vikki Slade, the Member of Parliament covering Mid-Dorset and North Poole, Lee and Zoë met with Edward Morello, Liberal Democrat MP for West Dorset, who was briefed on the extensive work being delivered by partners across our catchments. It has been a busy time and will continue to be for the foreseeable future! 

We hope you enjoy reading the September newsletter! 

Zoë, Janine and Holly

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The August edition of the DCP newsletter was brought to you by Wessex Water apprentice Antony Bartolini. Below is some background on Antony and what he usually gets up to at work.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your apprenticeship:

I began my apprenticeship with Wessex Water in September 2024. My role as a Catchment Technician in the Catchment Partnership and Delivery team puts me right at the heart of our work to improve local water environments. As part of my five-year apprenticeship, I'm also studying for an Environmental Management BSc at the University of the West of England, which allows me to combine hands-on fieldwork with a deeper academic understanding of the sector.

What does a typical week at work look like?

My week starts on Monday with a focus on data. I review the lab results from the previous week's sampling and prepare for the upcoming field work. From Tuesday to Thursday, my work takes me into the field, where I carry out a range of sampling activities. This includes using porous pots to monitor leaching, edge-of-field sampling to check for potential runoff, and collecting samples from rivers and boreholes to monitor water quality. On Thursday afternoon, I then drop off this week's samples at the labs. Friday is my lecture day at the University of the West of England (UWE), where I study before heading back home to South Dorset.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship in the environment sector?

In school, I was drawn to chemistry and physics, but my real passion was always surfing, camping, and generally connecting with nature. I knew I didn't want a career that kept me indoors, so I looked for a way to combine my interests. This apprenticeship was the ideal solution. It allows me to use my logical and problem-solving skills to help improve the environment, all while being out in the field. I'm grateful for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build my career with financial security.

Partner update

Introduction to the Environment Agency, Dorset Catchment Co-Ordinator

Hi, my name is Henry Quinney. I am the new Dorset Catchment Co-ordinator and Chalkstream Catchment Co-ordinator for the Wessex Area of the Environment Agency. 

I am really looking forward to working with the rest of the partnership to help our incredible and diverse catchments become as climate resilient and healthy as they can be. 

I have been at the Environment Agency for 8 years; the majority of that time has been in our Operations Department as an Engagement Advisor coordinating our public and community engagement around flood risk and the flood alleviation schemes that the Environment Agency own and maintain. This took me to all corners of the Wessex patch not just the Dorset catchments. I spent a considerable time across the Hampshire Avon catchment being mesmerised by the endless dance of the thick beds of ranunculus. I would often be in the magical but complex Levels and Moors catchments in Somerset where I was always astounded by the tidal range of the River Parrett. Alot of my time was spent working with communities that are vulnerable to Groundwater flooding on the Chalk across Dorset and Wiltshire. All the travelling around really made me appreciate the rivers in Dorset where my heart beats the loudest for our chalk catchments.

It’s been great getting to know the partnership at a couple of recent meetings; it’s been so inspiring sharing that time with the partners who are all so invested in making a difference to the landscape. I am really excited about the Frome Headwaters project and can’t wait to see the progress over the coming months as the project starts to deliver the works on the ground.

Henry

Wider news

Protecting Atlantic Salmon: A Collaborative Effort
The Environment Agency’s (EA) latest assessment shows that most English rivers supporting Atlantic salmon are in poor condition, with stocks at critically low levels. Numbers have plummeted from 1.4 million in the 1980’s to under 500,000 today, driven by pollution, climate change, habitat loss, and migration barriers.

Collaboration across sectors including farmers, anglers, water companies, and international bodies is key to reversing the decline and securing a future for this iconic species.

Our Healthy Headwaters
Wessex Rivers Trust has launched the “Our Healthy Headwaters” project - a five-year initiative focused on protecting the headwaters of the Hampshire Avon. Supported by Wessex Water and Wiltshire Council, the project aims to engage local communities, schools, and businesses in improving river health. 

Burning Banned on England’s Deep Peatlands
The UK government has expanded its ban on burning heather and grass on deep peat soils in England to protect wildlife, reduce carbon emissions, and improve air quality.

This move follows public consultation and forms part of wider efforts to restore nature and tackle climate change.

The Chalk Stream Experience
Wessex Rivers Trust, in partnership with the National Trust at Mottisfont, has launched the Chalk Stream Experience along the River Test in Hampshire. This initiative combines river restoration, affordable wild fishing, and community wellbeing activities to reconnect people with these globally rare chalk streams.

Important landscapes for freshwater wildlife
A new study by Freshwater Habitats Trust highlights 24 key landscapes in England and Wales that are crucial for freshwater wildlife. These areas support rare species and high-quality habitats, making up 36% of the region. The research underpins the Freshwater Network, a national plan to protect and restore these vital ecosystems.

Local news

Heathland restoration in east Dorset
Dorset Council is launching a major heathland restoration project across five protected sites in East Dorset to safeguard rare wildlife and reduce wildfire risk. Supported by Natural England and Defra, the project will remove invasive trees and scrub to help native heathland plants and endangered species like the Nightjar and Smooth Snake thrive.

Salmon in the River Frome
The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust have featured in an ITV news segment about the decline of salmon numbers in UK watercourses. They explain what electrofishing involves, as well as the struggles salmon are facing. The electrofishing shown in the video is filmed on the River Frome in Dorset.

Have your say

Help Shape the Future of Westcountry Rivers
Westcountry Rivers Trust has launched a short survey to learn how people connect with the Westcountry’s rivers and waterbodies, their awareness of environmental issues, and involvement in river conservation. Your feedback will help shape future engagement, expand volunteering, and guide local actions like water quality monitoring and education.

Funding for a nationwide, nature-rich river corridor network
A new UK Parliament petition is calling for government funding to create a nationwide, nature-rich river corridor network. The petition urges support for farmers and landowners to make space for water by providing accessible funding for buffers, wetlands, and tree planting along river corridors. This initiative aims to boost wildlife, improve water quality, and help tackle flooding.

The Big Insect Rescue Plan
Butterfly Conservation, alongside Buglife and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, has launched the Big Insect Rescue Plan to address the alarming decline of insects in the UK. The initiative invites the public to share their views on priorities for insect recovery, such as reducing pesticide use, restoring habitats, and tackling pollution.

Funding

Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier
Funding through the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme is now open for applications through invitation. It is aimed towards projects, which works towards the government's plan to support sustainable farming.

Ofwat Innovation Fund
Up to £50 million of funding is available for projects, which grow the water sector’s capacity to innovate, enabling it to better meet the evolving needs of customers, society and the environment.

Rewilding Challenge Fund
The first of two rounds of funding are now available from Rewilding Britain. Up to£100,000 is available for large-scale nature restoration projects. You must be a part of the Rewilding Network to be eligible. Applications close on 10th October 2025.

Open Rivers Programme
Funding will soon be available for projects involving dam removal. The application window is open from 6th-31st October 2025.

Wessex Water Community Fund
Up to £4,000 of funding is available for community-based projects in the Wessex Water region. The application deadline is 20th October 2025.

Events and webinars

Wimborne Green Festival
Planet Wimborne will be opening the 2025 Wimborne Green Festival from 11th-18th October. The event will include range of different nature and sustainability-based activities and events throughout the week.

The Riverfly Partnership Conference 2025
The Riverfly Partnership will be hosting a hybrid conference on 14th November. It will include Riverfly monitoring progress and developments from the partnership, delivered by a variety of speakers.

The challenges of peat restoration in lowland fens
The Fens East Peat Partnership will be running a webinar, which includes presentations on lowland peat restoration and case studies from their work. This will be held on 20th October 2025.

Jobs