Bentley Project
The Bentley Environmental Foundation raises funds for sustainability and environmental projects all over the world by working with various NGO’s and charities. Bentley is working with The Rivers Trust, in partnership with the Mersey Rivers Trust to deliver environmental improvements to the Valley Brook. The Valley Brook, a small urban river, flows through the town of Crewe, which has been home to Bentley Motors since 1946.
RNAG & CSO's
The Valley Brook is in poor ecological status. The main reasons why Valley Brook is not in good ecological state are due to three main areas: agriculture & rural land management, urban & transport and the water industry. There are 15 CSO’s (Combine Sewers Overflow) and other water industry inputs into the Valley Brook, these released into the Valley Brook over 200 times for a total of over 1000 hours in 2023. Mersey Rivers Trust and Bentley are embarking on this project to try and improve the water quality of Valley Brook.
The Project
We are working across the whole of Valley Brook catchment to make a difference to the water and wildlife here. Through this project we are:
Restoring Valley Brook
Restoring a section of Valley Brook, within Macon Meadows and the university campus. This work will see us create wetland areas and reconnect the river to its floodplain. These works will increase the biodiversity of the area and help alleviate the flooding which restricts use of the area and footpaths during the winter.
Engaging the Local Community
Engaging with the local community around Valley Brook to so they can see the plans for the work and share their thoughts and opinions on it. As well as hosting events for local people to get involved in by monitoring and maintaining the area, such as Balsam Bash events tackling the invasive species Himalayan Balsam and litter picks.
Water Sampling
Ongoing monthly water quality sampling of multiple points along Valley Brook and Englesea Brook to establish any areas of pollution and baseline the general water quality of the brooks. As well as kick sample surveys to identify invertebrate species living in the water.
Farmer Engagement
Engaging with local farmers through our Pie & Pint evenings and offering free water management plans so they know what they can do to help improve the water quality of Valley Brook.
Our Next Pie & Pint Evening
Tuesday 10th September, 6pm – 8pm, at the White Lion Hotel, Weston, Crewe
Traineeships
The project is also funding two traineeships based with Mersey Rivers Trust, to help provide skills and experience to young people trying to get into the environmental sector. One of these trainees, Amara, is focused on the farm engagement and farm water management plans. And the other trainee, Sophie, is focused on water quality and monitoring.
