The Cam Valley Forum is a voluntary group, established in 2001. We work with our extensive network of partners to protect and improve the environment of the River Cam and its tributaries.
- We help identify, monitor and tackle problems affecting the river.
- We build new collaborations and initiatives to improve the river and its surroundings.
- We campaign for improvements and advise on projects that may affect the river.
- We promote understanding of the river environment, including through workshops, guided walks and training of volunteers.
We are registered as a charity with HMRC (reference number XT38781) so can receive Gift Aid on donations, but are too small to need to register with the Charity Commission.
Our current projects
These include the following:
Clean Bathing Water. Following our successful application for bathing water designation in 2023, we are continuing our monitoring work, working with the agencies, using our local knowledge to help identify sources of sewage pollution, and calling for Anglian Water to RAPIDLY implement the necessary improvements to their sewage infrastructure. Our aim is that by 2030, the bathing water quality at Sheep’s Green should at least be achieving “Satisfactory” status and ideally “Good”
Water Quality Monitoring. This work aims to identify other (non-sewage) sources of pollution that are damaging the natural environment in the Cam Valley. We then work with those responsible to help get the levels of pollutants reduced. We are currently investigating phosphates, turbidity (murkiness) and are just starting some work on toxic chemicals from road run-off.
Water Scarcity campaign. We are calling for an end to over-abstraction and the restoration of naturally healthy rivers, to protect our precious chalk streams, and the undelying chalk aquifier. These are both under unsustainable pressure.
Tackling invasive species. Following our successful project to eradicate Floating Pennywort from the river Cam above Cambridge, we are now working on the even more challenging task of fighting back the Himalayan Balsam that’s steadily encroaching on Cambridge.
You can see a selection of past projects here
Do join us