The Gunville Stream at present still retains much of its original course, and has a fantastic but largely unknown heritage, but which is showing signs of stress. Newport Rivers Group believes it will be under considerable pressure from development and we are urging the Local Planning Authority to adopt a proactive and strategic approach which will enhance public access, provide wildlife safe havens, improve water quality and provide flood protection.
In 2012 Newport Rivers Group started to survey of the Gunville Catchment with the aim of bringing together the collective knowledge of group members. The purpose of the work is to:
- Clearly map and define the watershed of the Gunville sub-catchment of the Medina
- Establish:
- Threats & Risks
- Opportunities & Projects
- Identify and map all abstractions
- Identify and map all known point and diffuse pollution issues
- Identify and map the conservation and archaeology designations, flood plain boundaries, SHLA (Strategic Housing Land Assessment) sites
- Identify and map all known biodiversity and conservation priorities
- Identify and map all green infrastructure and public access
- Identify and map any existing Stewardship or similar agreements
- Identify and map opportunities for:
- river restoration
- wildlife conservation
- new/enhanced green infrastructure
- education & interpretation
Species surveys
- Bats
- Great Crested Newts
- Water voles
- Fish
- Invertebrates
Most information is now gathered and we are bringing this together in a document that can inform the Medina Valley Area Action Plan.