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 monitoring the levels of bacteria from sewage, using our local knowledge to help identify sources of sewage pollution. We are 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”, so that its safer for people to swim and play in the river.
Ecological Health Monitoring. This work aims to identify various (non-sewage) sources of pollution. We then work with those responsible to help get the levels of pollutants reduced, in order to improve the health of our rivers. 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