The Bourne Stream, that lovely waterway flowing from Canford Heath to Bournemouth Pier, is getting some extra love and attention. We're teaming up with local organisations, community groups, charities, and experts to protect and improve its health, and we're excited to share what we're doing.

A team effort for a healthier stream

We've joined forces with a fantastic bunch of local organisations – including BCP Council, the Environment Agency, Natural England, Bournemouth University, local wildlife trusts, and other water companies (South West Water and Wessex Water) – to form the Bourne Stream Partnership (BSP). The Bourne Stream Partnership will fit under the Dorset Catchment Partnerships, and slots into the Stour Catchment Governance. Everyone's passionate about keeping the Bourne Stream a healthy and vibrant environment, and we're working together to make a real difference.

What's the big idea?

We're tackling everything from water quality to the stream's ecosystem. One of the most exciting projects is using the Bourne Stream as a pilot for a "Natural Catchment Management Plan" (NCMP). Think of it as an integrated approach – we're looking at the whole area that drains into the stream to find the best ways to keep the water clean, protect wildlife, and ensure a healthy environment for everyone to enjoy. This plan will also link up with other regional efforts to protect our waterways.

Our part in keeping the Bourne flowing strong

We're also upgrading our Alderney Water Treatment Works, and we're carefully considering how this might affect the Bourne Stream. We have several projects planned (as part of our Water Industry National Environment Programme or WINEP) to improve water quality and the environment.

Here's a sneak peek at what the partnership is working on:

  • Reducing pollutants: Pollutants from road run-off can cause problems in the river ecosystem, so we're working to keep them at minimal levels.
  • Protecting and enhancing habitats: We're supporting local wildlife, from the tiny creatures living in the stream to the plants along the banks and within the designated areas.
  • Controlling invasive species: We’re managing non-native plants and animals to minimise their disruption of the ecosystem.


Working together for a brighter future

We've already made some great progress. We've held meetings with all our partners, shared ideas, and even taken a walk along the stream to get a closer look. Bournemouth University has completed a baseline ecological and water quality survey to help inform our next steps and we just undertook a big workshop in January to create our Natural Catchment Management Plan.

Want to learn more?

We believe that looking after our local environment is a team effort, and we want to keep you informed. We'll be sharing more news in the future across our web and social channels so stay tuned. We’re committed to the long-term health of the Bourne Stream, working towards a cleaner, healthier river for everyone to enjoy. Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed.