This item is based on a leaflet for a campaign run a few years ago by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (UK) on Scotland's Wild Rivers.

Scotland's rivers are a precious resource, but the preserve the environment we paddle on they need your help.

There are many things you can do:

In the home

Did you know that each person in Scotland uses 464 litres of water a day? You might think that Scotland has endless supplies of water, but this isn't always the case. Use water wisely so that less is removed from rivers. Remember that wastewater requires expensive treatment.

• Turn off the tap when cleaning your teeth.
• Only fill the kettle for the water you need.
• Put a plastic bottle filled with water in your cistern so flushing the toilet uses less water.
• A dripping tap can waste up to 100 litres a day! Replace that worn out washer!
• Showers use a fraction of the water needed for a bath.

Your Local River

Scotland has over 10,000 rivers and burns, as well as some of the most spectacular rivers and waterfalls in Europe.

• Get to know your local river. Walk by it, picnic, go for a cycle ride or of course, go paddling.
• Contact your local ranger service through the council. Ask for information on local rivers.
• Find out where your water supply comes from, and where your sewage goes.
• Join a local voluntary group with an interest in rivers and wildlife - or you could set one up!
• Protect the local wildlife
• Many organisations are now working with local communities to improve Scotland's rivers.
• You can get involved in practical conservation work on a weekend such as tree-planting, clean-ups, etc.
• You can also go on holiday and explore other parts of Scotland while doing such work.
• If you think the trees, plants and wildlife habitat along the river are being destroyed, contact Scottish Natural Heritage and your local council.

In your community

Many of Scotland's villages, cities and towns were built next to streams and rivers.

• Could your local school or a local group do a project about the river to raise awareness of river issues and history?
• Look at old maps and photos - where did the river go, what has changed, were there more islands, bends, channels in the past?
• Find out about the history of the river. Do local people have different memories? Has it changed over time?
• Find out what industries and jobs use to be / are associated with the river.
• Organise a local event to celebrate your local river.
• How does the river change in different seasons? In periods of heavy rain where does it flood?
• Could your local Community Council, Rotary, or other organisation, become involved?
• Encourage owners beside the river to restore natural features - better for wildlife and for the river.

River Pollution

What to look for: Have you seen water that is an unusual colour, smells, or has an oily surface? You might also see dead fish, algal blooms, sewage fungus and changes in types of aquatic life.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is the organisation responsible, among other things, for investigating pollution incidents.

• SEPA can't be everywhere. You can help by reporting pollution to SEPA on 0345 73 72 71.

River Engineering

Rivers are often 'engineered' so that they meet needs such as flood alleviation, improving fishing, or protection from erosion. Sometimes, these 'hard' engineering methods, such as dredging or stone cases (groynes), degrade the river and can cause more problems in the long run. There are alternatives - 'softer' techniques which can solve the problems more effectively and for less money.

If you are concerned about river engineering:

• You can contact the Planning Department at your local council, or SEPA, and express your concern.
• Make a note of what you saw, when and where, and if possible take photographs and draw a sketch.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In Comrie, a member of the public spotted heavy engineering works on the Water of Ruchilland appealed to conservation groups and the local council. The so-called 'maintenance' works were designed by the council to prevent flood damage in the area - but on closer inspection and consultation with SEPA, Scottish Natural Heritage and others a different story emerged. The gravel extraction and channel realignment seems to have created an even more unstable situation. A joint meeting of Scottish Wildlife Trust, WWF and the council revealed a great deal of interest in finding a more environmentally friendly solution to the flooding problems of Comrie. Plans are underway to seek opinions on state of the art river management solutions, as well as a workshop for local authority employees with a responsibility for watercourse maintenance.

Flooding

Flooding is a natural process with many benefits for wildlife. Many towns developed beside rivers, so that they could use the water and benefit from the fertile ground created by the annual floods. Settlements were also created on higher grounds to avoid flooding. In relatively recent times we have worked against nature by building too lose to the river banks and on floodplains. This has resulted in millions of pounds being spent on flood defences. This situation is not sustainable - we must let the rivers meander and allow them elbow room.

• By becoming involved in the planning process you may be able to help. Local Structure Plans setting out the planning policies for a wide area are written by each local authority. They are influential and provide the basis for directing development often for a ten year period. Once they have been approved by the Secretary of State they set the framework for the development of each Area Local Plan. You have a right to be consulted on the plan and your influence can encourage more natural management of the river.
• Monitor planning applications which might affect the river and object if necessary.

If you think your local authority is encouraging development in what you know to be a high flood risk area, then let them know that you object, and why.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In Banchory, local people protested when large groynes nearly 'dammed' the River Dee, and reshaped the banks on either side along a popular area for walks. The local authority, North of Scotland Water Authority, SEPA and the District Salmon Fishery Board responded by producing good practice guidance for river-side landowners to ensure it does not happen again. It also made clear that in future, such 'fisheries improvements' would require planning permission as with any other development.

The page is based on information from the Worldwide Fund for Nature who can be contacted via the website or

WWF Scotland, 8 The Square, Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2DD.
Telephone 01887 820449 Fax 01887 829453.

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