MoD RiverCare Project: Enhanced water quality monitoring in the Avon valley on Salisbury Plain

Defra procuring on behalf of Natural England: The River Avon (Wiltshire/Hampshire) is one of the most biodiverse chalk river systems in Europe, supporting significantly rich flora, fish and invertebrate fauna which are reliant on fresh water habitats with good water quality. The river is an internationally important and designated site (Site of Special Scientific Interest, RAMSAR convention site, Special Protection Area and Natura 2000 site). High levels of pollutants such as phosphorus can be detrimental to the survival of many of the species and habitats for which this river is designated. The purchase of portable monitoring equipment is needed to obtain comprehensive water sampling of the River Avon when entering and leaving the Salisbury Plain Training Area, which will then determine a phosphorus mass balance of Salisbury Plain. This will enable a more focused approach for the River Care project with regard to where the diffuse water pollution issues are and which land holdings require advice and support to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering into the river.