River Waveney Trust raises funds to make waterway accessible

The River Waveney Trust has reported that swimming in the river has become "increasingly difficult" as some parts of the waterway are inaccessible during the summertime due to "explosions" in algae and duckweed. 

In response, the charity is launching a campaign to raise funds to help them manage fallen trees and aquatic plants in the river.

This will ensure there is a channel of free-flowing water where people can paddle and swim, they said.

Fallen trees and excessive algae has made some parts of the River Waveney inaccessible to swimmers and canoeists. (Image: River Waveney Trust)

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The trust has plans to manage over 20 trees this year and to remove more than a kilometre of impenetrable vegetation between Earsham and Bungay.

The charity said they are also keen to work with anglers, swimmers and others enjoying recreation on the river to understand how they might collaborate on favourite spots to help ensure that all can enjoy the river.

READ MORE: High bacteria levels found at five of town's nine swimming spots

Katie Utting, river project officer, for the trust, said: "So many people are saddened that many reaches of the river are no longer accessible during summer due to the river becoming unpassable due to dominant plants and fallen trees.

"The explosion in algae and layers of duckweed five centimetres thick in some places seems to be connected to the levels of nutrients entering our river, so we are working hard to understand these problems.

"In the meantime, we must maintain access for people to enjoy the river," Ms Utting said. 

Donations to the fundraising campaign can be made here: https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/a-river-waveney-for-all

Last month, the trust reported that five of the nine locations tested on the River Waveney around Bungay contained bacteria commonly found in human and animal faeces at levels unsafe for swimmers.