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In 2024, Community Foundation North East awarded £3,854 to Rothbury Women’s Institute (WI) through the Local Environmental Action and Lawrence Campbell Community First funds. The grant supported a year-long water quality monitoring initiative along the River Coquet, led by the Coquet River Action Group (CRAG), of which Rothbury WI is a member.
Pete Barrett, Senior Programme Advisor at Community Foundation North East, said:
“This project is a brilliant example of how grassroots action can drive environmental change. The dedication of CRAG’s volunteers is helping to build a clearer picture of the River Coquet’s health, while also inspiring wider community engagement and collaboration.”
CRAG volunteers are carrying out regular water testing between Barrowburn and Amble, collecting data on clarity, pollution levels and other indicators of river health. The findings are supporting the work of the Northumberland Rivers Trust and inform efforts to improve water quality across the region.
The group has since expanded its testing programme and is now working with the Environment Agency to investigate nitrate levels in the Warkworth area. CRAG’s work has sparked wider interest in the river’s wellbeing, with updates shared through parish and county councils, farming and angling communities, and local climate action groups. A blog and Facebook page have also been launched to keep the public informed and involved.
Jane Davis, Treasurer of Rothbury WI, said:
“Thanks to the Foundation’s generous start-up funding, CRAG was able to take its first steps. Communities along the Coquet now have a stronger voice for the river’s future.”
Outgoing Director of the Northumberland Rivers Trust added:
“CRAG is a splendid group of people doing great things, not just for the Coquet’s environment, but also for showing the power of community.”
To learn more about the Foundation’s environmental funds and how they support local organisations, click here.