Testing at the Danestream in Milford identified extremely high E. coli levels (~36,100 CFU/100 ml), indicative of severe faecal contamination. These findings are robust and independently confirmed. The issue was first identified by Miles and then verified by Martin Stewart using a separate digital testing method. Agreement between two independent methods confirms that this is not a testing anomaly, but a genuine pollution event. At this scale, the source is very likely to be

Our coordinated testing round two weeks ago saw around 75% of groups take part, with most carrying out a full set of nitrate, phosphate and E. coli tests. This represents a strong step forward in both coverage and data quality. Across much of the New Forest, results were very encouraging. Many streams showed low nutrient levels and minimal bacterial contamination, confirming that large areas remain in excellent condition. However, a cluster of issues was identified in the New

On a chilly March evening, as the light faded over the Avon Water, a group gathered at Efford Mill. Several evenings have felt like the launch of New Forest Water Watch; an evening at St Barbes ‘Climate Chats’ and our earlier meeting in Sway, but this felt like something new was taking shape: the launch of New Forest Water Watch, a coordinated, community-led effort to understand and protect our rivers. We began outside, by the riverbank itself. Forty people gathered along the

We are excited to announce our partnership with Water Rangers UK and FLOW CIC! Together, we will be testing of rivers and streams throughout the New Forest, utilising Kyoritsu test kits to measure nitrates and phosphates wherever we have a monitoring group. In areas where further analysis is necessary, we will expand our tests to include ammonia, alkalinity, conductivity, and pH levels. In addition, in response to environmental concerns identified by New Forest Friends of the

We’ve now been measuring E.coli for 6 months. We know it's important but following a talk at St Barbes’ Climate Chats, Charlotte stepped forward with this compelling personal account. It highlights the significance of our mission. "In 2022, I was living and working in Madagascar for two months, overseeing the work of the NGO I founded, Small Steps for Africa, in communities near the capital, Antananarivo.  Halfway through my stay, I contracted Shiga-Toxin Producing (STEC) E.

Representing New Forest Friends of the Earth, I met today with Rachel Smith, Centre Manager at Lymington Community Centre, and Councillor Jack Davies, former Mayor of Lymington, for filming by the BBC following the correction of a serious foul waste misconnection at the Community Centre’s Phoenix building. Foul waste from the Phoenix building had been incorrectly routed into the surface water drainage system, meaning untreated sewage was discharging into the Lymington River.

It’s not over yet. Our ongoing water quality monitoring at the Lymington River outfall continues to show that sewage is still reaching the river — despite efforts to tackle the problem. During the autumn, Southern Water carried out work at Brunswick Place to divert sewage from that housing area into the proper foul sewer. That was a positive step, but there are still other sources discharging untreated sewage into the river. One of these is the Phoenix Room at Lymington Commu

Support the Good Business Matters Pledge Protect people and nature from corporate harm – ask our MPs to act! What is the Pledge? The Good Business Matters Pledge asks MPs to support a new UK law requiring businesses to:    •   Check for and prevent human rights abuses and environmental harm in supply chains    •   Be held accountable when harm occurs    •   Go beyond voluntary codes, with enforcement and access to justice for victims Why it matters Voluntary rules aren’t enou

Despite earlier repair work by Southern Water, our latest tests show that  E. coli  contamination has returned to the Lymington River outfall. The problem may lie in trapped sewage residues within the surface water system, and until the network is properly cleaned, the pollution isn’t going anywhere. Earlier this year, Southern Water corrected a long-standing drainage problem from Brunswick Place by installing a new foul sewer. During the work, a temporary inflatable bung was

Major Progress in Our Water Testing Campaign SOUTHERN WATER HAVE ARRIVED! We’re very grateful for the coverage of our water testing in...

Over the equinox weekend, members of New Forest Friends of the Earth and friends fanned out across the Forest, from Fordingbridge to...

On the first Saturday in September, New Forest Friends of the Earth ran a very successful stall at New Milton’s VJ 80 celebrations. Our...

New Forest Friends of the Earth’s latest water testing has revealed catastrophic E. coli levels of 78,312 CFU. This is an increase on our...

Still a Stink

Our own water testing results have revealed serious pollution concerns in local rivers and reedbeds — including dangerously high E. coli...

Something is terribly wrong with our water. In March this year, we experienced a couple of days of intense rainfall, and the result was...

Members of NFFoE joined other local FoE groups in Westminster on July 9th to support The Climate Coalition "Act Now Change Forever"...

In June  2025, the  i  newspaper published a powerful investigation into the state of England’s Blue Flag beaches, warning that many are...

Last week at the allotment, we made a small but important seasonal switch: our Asian hornet trap has now been changed from the ‘queen’...

On May 11, we were delighted to take part in the CET (Climate Emergency Team) event – a day of networking, sharing, and strengthening...