Little Stour River Day

About this event

Join us for inspirational talks and riverside demos as part of the 2026 Stour Valley Riverfest The Little Stour River Day is a celebration of our local chalk streams and a call to action to protect them! Join us to learn about the threats affecting local water quality during a series of short talks from volunteer citizen scientists and academics working along the Little Stour and Wingham Rivers (11am-12pm), followed by optional riverside demonstrations (12:30-2:30pm) (ADDITIONAL SIGN-UP REQUIRED). The event will open with the launch of the new leaflet: ‘Chalk Streams Under Pressure’, about the Little Stour, the Nailbourne and the Wingham River. This will be followed by presentations on chemicals, microplastics and other problems facing our local rivers. You will also learn about the amazing work volunteer citizen scientists are doing to monitor the health of our chalk streams and hear how you can join this worthy campaign. We welcome attendees to bring a picnic to enjoy on the village green during lunch (12-12:30pm). Join us in the afternoon for additional riverside demonstrations on water quality sampling and riverfly monitoring. (12:30-2:30pm) (MAXIMUM 30 SPOTS – ADDITIONAL SIGN UP IN PERSON). Parking near the Wickhambreaux Village Hall is extremely limited. We encourage attendees to carpool, cycle, or walk if possible. River dipping for families booked separately (3:00-4:00PM).