River Thames 

The majestic River Thames is the reason why Marlow is here. The river has been used for millennia as a route to invade, migrate, trade, and in later centuries to pursue sport and leisure activities. It is crucial that it remains in a healthy state which is why the Marlow Society will campaign for a cleaner river. 

 

Maintaining the character of the river-side environment can be challenging because the river valley is neither in a Conservation Area nor designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Environment Agency have created a charter for managing the River Thames. 

 

You will have seen have seen and heard in the press about the dire state of our rivers. The Thames is no exception. Bangor University on behalf of the Marlow Rowing club undertook some tests March 2024 downstream of Little Marlow sewage works and the results are truly shocking. Nitrates - at ‘environmentally damaging levels’, Noro virus- at a concentrations four times higher acceptable levels, E.Coli very high; enough to damage human health and Crass phage at a level only found in undiluted effluent. 

 

As a result of these and many other local concerns, it has been proposed to set up a Town and Parish Councils River Partnership which is an informal partnership convened by Town and Parish Council together with Buckinghamshire Unitary Councillors of the respective Ward areas. 

 

The primary aims and objectives of the Partnership are: 

• Environmental Protection: To promote and safeguard the environmental health of the rivers, tributaries and chalk streams and their surrounding habitat, including water quality, biodiversity, and riparian vegetation. To collaborate with relevant agencies (E.g., Environment Agency and Thames Water) and report findings on sewage discharge and water health. 

• Flood Management: To collaborate with relevant agencies (e.g., Environment Agency and Thames Water) to monitor flood risk and propose local measures to mitigate the impact of flooding on the community in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council, the LLFA. 

• Navigation and Public Safety: To ensure safe navigation for all river users and to promote safe public access to the riverbanks, including making recommendations to relevant authorities and stakeholders for the maintenance of towpaths, rights of way, and public moorings where applicable. 

• Amenity and Recreation: To enhance the recreational and amenity value of the river for residents and visitors, supporting activities such as swimming, walking, fishing, and boating (including paddle boards). 

• Community Engagement: To act as a focal point for community concerns and aspirations regarding the river, and to foster a collaborative relationship between Town and Parish Councils, Buckinghamshire Council, residents, river users, and any other statutory bodies. 

• Infrastructure: To promote the maintenance and improvement of river-related public infrastructure through consultation with relevant stakeholders. 

• Escalation: Matters of key concern to be shared with our Members of Parliament to address critical issues at the highest level. 

 

It is anticipated that the first meeting will be convened by the end of 2025. 

 

If you have any thing you would like to raise, please get in touch.