The River Medlock has always been at the heart of Park Bridge. In the 18th and 19th centuries it powered the Park Bridge Iron Works, fuelling industry that shaped our community and exported good across the world.
Today, the river plays a very different, but equally important role: it is a lifeline for local wildlife and biodiversity, flowing through ancient woodland and rare habitats. Sadly, in recent years the river has shown worrying signs of decline. The water is often polluted and, as you may have noticed, smelly.
What is even more worrying is the noticeable decrease in wildlife that once flourished along the river.
When rivers thrive, we thrive. But when rivers suffer, so do we. According to the Rivers Trust, right now 0% of rivers in England and Northern Ireland are in ‘good’ overall condition.
Rivers like ours are suffering from sewage, plastic, chemical and nutrient pollution. To change this, more data is needed:
- Where are rivers experiencing the worst problems?
- Which pollutants are most damaging?
- Where should interventions like clean-ups or flood-prevention projects be focused?
In September, the Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group & Fund are taking part in two citizen science projects to help save the River Medlock, and you are invited!
This autumn, we’re asking residents and visitors to take part in the Great UK WaterBlitz and The Big River Watch.
By sparing just 15 minutes and taking a walk down the river, everyone can be part of the solution. Data gathered can support policy change, helping turn the tide on plastics, stem the flow of untreated sewage, and identify the best places to restore river habitats.
The Great UK WaterBlitz – Test the River Medlock’s Water Quality **SADLY REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED – BUT YOU CAN STILL TAKE PART IN THE BIG RIVER WATCH, DETAILS BELOW**
Run by Earthwatch, the WaterBlitz invites people across the country to test their local rivers and streams for pollution.
- What you do: Sign up online to receive a free water testing kit for you to use.
- When: The WaterBlitz runs 19th-22nd September.
- Why it matters: Your results help build a national picture of water quality, showing where rivers like the Medlock in Park Bridge need urgent action.
The Big River Watch – Record What You See in the River Medlock
Led by The Rivers Trust, the Big River Watch complements the WaterBlitz. Instead of testing chemicals, you simply observe and record what you see in your local river.
- What you do: Download the free app and spend just 15 minutes by the river documenting what you see – it’s really easy!
- When: The Big River Watch also runs 19th-25th September.
- Why it matters: Your observations – from litter and pollution to signs of wildlife – provide vital evidence on the health of rivers like the Medlock.
Why Park Bridge and the River Medlock Need You
The River Medlock is part of our industrial past and is now vital to the area’s unique biodiverse landscape. By joining both of these initiatives, we’ll gain data and community evidence to strengthen our case for external funding and action.
Together, we can help restore the river, improve water quality, and bring back the wildlife that once made Park Bridge so special.
If you don’t think you will be able to take samples from the river for the Great UK WaterBlitz, we still encourage you to take part in the Big River Watch which can be done safely alongside and in view of the river.
How to Take Part in the Great UK WaterBlitz & Big River Watch
- Register for the Great UK WaterBlitz.
- Download the Big River Watch app.
- Join us and many others in Park Bridge as we test, observe, and report on the River Medlock between 19th-25th September.
Advice for Taking Part Safely & Collecting Water Samples
If you’re taking part in the Great UK WaterBlitz or Big River Watch at the River Medlock, your safety, and the quality of the data, are paramount. Here’s how to sample water safely and responsibly:
Remember: do not enter the water. Everything can be done from the bank or a bridge.
- Wear suitable footwear – paths along the river can be slippery and uneven. Walking boots or sturdy shoes are best.
- Be weather aware – avoid going near the river in heavy rain or flood conditions.
- Never go alone – always bring a friend, family member, or join others from the community.
- Children – must be supervised by an adult at all times.
- Stay out of the water – you do not need to enter the river for either project. All testing and observing can be done safely from the bank.
- Use gloves if you’re handling testing kits or picking up litter.
- Bring a phone – and let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back.
- Respect the environment – take care not to disturb wildlife or damage plants while you’re observing.
If at any point you feel unsafe or conditions look dangerous, please leave the site and come back another time. Your safety is the most important part of taking part.
Read more about the Big River Watch health and safety advice: https://theriverstrust.org/take-action/the-big-river-watch/big-river-watch-health-safety
Just as the River Medlock once powered Park Bridge’s industry and community, we now have the power to shape our river’s future and help to restore it to the thriving habitat it once was, creating a cleaner environment and a source of pride for generations to come.
Thank you,
The Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group & Fund