Our little band of citizen scientists test this small tributary of the River Wye on a biweekly basis (i.e. twice a week). Since performing our test routine on the 25th May, some idiot has disposed of white paint (emulsion?), presumably, by pouring it down a road drain. The Environment Agency are monitoring the situation but don't think there is any lasting ecological damage.
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| Photo 1: Newton Brook on its Way to the River Wye |
This is what the brook usually looks like ...
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| Photo 2: Newton Brook as it Should Look |
We are due to retest the brook on 28th May so will be interested to see if any signs of this pollution can be seen or detected.
There is not a huge amount of aquatic life (plant or animal) in this brook so it will be difficult to assess the environmental impact of the pollution. We do find mayfly nymphs and the odd small fish (minnow, stickleback, etc) ...
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| Photo 3: Mayfly Nymph, Maggie's Brook, 2nd April 2025 |
It could have a greater effect on the fish in the River Wye as this is the breeding season for many coarse fish. As it is also the close season for angling, we may never know what damage may or may not have been done. There are plenty of coarse fish (adult and juvenile) in the River Wye at the moment as seen in these two photos taken in early May 2025 by a neighbour from the nearby Victoria Bridge over the River Wye.
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| Photo 4: Dace gathering at the Victoria Bridge |
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| Photo 5: Chub Meeting at Victoria Bridge |
Fingers crossed there is no lasting damage.
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