We all know that the pollution of the River Severn has been getting worse for two decades and more. The healthy Ranunculus weed has virtually disappeared from the middle Severn and is rapidly vanishing from the upper river. Whatever the official statistics may say, the river is in crisis and needs our help.

Most people have noticed the decreasing insect life above the main river; the strangely increased foaming at different times of day over the last five years; the grey and brown streams into the main river from unexpected sources near sewerage stations, chicken farms, manure heaps and other farming activity.