The Exning New River Association (ENRA) is a small group of local residents who came together in 2018, initially triggered when the river became blocked by a combination of overgrown vegetation, rubbish and a general lack of care.
It was soon apparent that one of the main problems was inconsistent water flow. In January 2020 Rob Mungovan of the Wild Trout Trust (a leading authority on chalk streams), supported by the Environment Agency, made an advisory visit at our request.
Our aims
- Maintaining the flow and appearance of the river and its associated environment
- Raising public awareness about the importance of the river for wildlife and local biodiversity
- Undertake recommended renovation projects
- Improve the river as a home for wildlife both animal and plant
- Cooperate with other local organisations with similar interests
What we do
Our aim is to keep the river and its surroundings clean and naturally attractive: we organise litter picks and rubbish clearance of the banks and in the river as needs arise. We liaise with the 36+ riparian owners about the flow and pump timing and any work that needs to be carried out.
With help and advice from appropriate experts, we monitor the wild plants and animals of the river and its surroundings. Indicators of a healthy river are when there are signs of water vole activity and sightings are made of our kingfisher and little egret. A little owl and heron can often be seen in Frogmore Paddocks by the manorial fish ponds.
We keep in touch with other organisations who can add value to what we do, including The Jockey Club, Environment Agency, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Exning Parish Council, the Wild Trout Trust, other individuals and groups who have experience of maintaining/improving chalk streams.
How we do it
The core of the Association’s support are residents many of whom are riparian owners with properties bordering onto the New River and therefore have a responsibility to monitor and maintain it. Where a watercourse forms the boundary between two properties, each landowner is usually responsible for the bank on their side and up to the middle of the bottom of the watercourse.
We set out plans for the year ahead, and look to raise the funds for designated projects. We rely on volunteers and look for support from the local Exning community.
Funding is important to help us achieve our goals. To date we thank the Exning Parish Council and Cambridgeshire Community Foundation’s Anglian Water Flourishing Environments Fund for our 2023 planned duck pond improvement project.