Who we are
Our aim is to contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the water quality, health and biodiversity of the River Coquet and its catchment. CRAG will use a scientifically relevant approach – collecting, interpreting and sharing information and collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of the river and its catchments.
CRAG will support our community groups to take local action and help them understand the impact of their community’s actions on other communities along the catchment. We will collect, analyse, interpret and share data and information so that we can hold conversations with others who have an interest in the river. Through these conversations we wish to improve water quality and biodiversity, and support angling, swimming, walking and other community activities for present and future generations.
We will promote a two-way dialogue between local groups and stakeholders so that we can work together to raise the profile of the river within local communities and the wider public and demonstrate how a vibrant river and vibrant river communities can contribute to the local economy.
Our community groups:
Amble Women’s Institute
We are the Amble Women’s Institute. Our aim is to create a fellowship of women, to gain new friends, learn new skills and make a difference in the community.
Brinkburn and Hesleyhurst Parish Council
Brinkburn and Hesleyhurst is a joint parish council. The parishes are situated to the east of Rothbury within the Coquet Valley in central Northumberland. The area is rich in agriculture and minerals. It had 4 pits, several quarries and its own wagonway from Embleton Terrace to the Lee Siding. It is located in what was known as Rothbury Forest. Brinkburn Priory is a well-known landmark within the Parishes.
Felton Climate and Nature
Felton CAN is based in the twin villages of Felton and Thirston, linked by bridges over the River Coquet. Felton CAN developed from a group called Wildlife Felton, as we realised that the loss of wildlife species and the deteriorating climate were two sides of the same coin. We believe that communities CAN make a meaningful contribution to solutions to both of these problems, if enough of us do so.
Felton Parish Council
Felton Parish Council
Northumberland Rivers Trust
The Northumberland Rivers Trust is a charity aiming to improve and enhance all rivers and streams in Northumberland (except Tyne and Tweed).
Rothbury Women’s Institute
Rothbury WI gives women the chance to get together to learn new stuff, use their skills to support the local community and have fun in the process. Our group offers opportunities to meet new people and make friends, and enjoy a varied programme of monthly meetings and lots of exciting activities.
The WI isn’t just a place for fun and friendship but is also active in campaigning for ways to improve the welfare of its members and the country as a whole. Each year we debate and vote on a new campaign- but we continue working on the old ones. Rothbury WI is very busy in this respect.
Swarland and Newton Action on Climate (SNAC)
Swarland and Newton on the Moor Action on Climate (SNAC) is a group of local people who want to do something to tackle climate change and to protect and enhance the natural environment in our area.
We work to raise awareness of climate, environmental and sustainability issues within the parish and encourage members of the community to get involved, and to identify and deliver projects within the parish which contribute to reducing greenhouse gases, improving the environment and increasing sustainability
Thirston Parish Council
‘Thirston Parish has a rich natural environment: the River Coquet and Woodlands SSSI runs along the northern boundary of the neighbourhood area. The parish boundary extends to the middle of the river. The woodland areas that adjoin the river are within the SSSI designation. Some of these area are in a favourable condition, and some are in an ‘unfavourable recovering’ condition These areas are also designated as ancient and ancient semi-natural woodland.
These woodland areas are highly valued by the local community and visitors to the area for walking and recreation. St Oswald’s Way winds along the river to the east of West Thirston.’
From Thirston Neighbourhood Development Plan 2020 – 2036
WA Rivers Group, Warkworth Green Matters
Bringing together those interested in learning, understanding and sustaining the River Coquet, the Warkworth and Amble Rivers Group aims to work in conjunction with all river users and influencers to improve the river and its surroundings.
Warkworth Women’s Institute
A warm welcome awaits you at any of our meetings, where you will find a wide variety of interests and skills on offer. Members enjoy good speakers, demonstrations and outings, always with a friendly touch.
We aim to provide a forum and sociable meeting place for everyone, where friendship and laughter provide a backdrop for all the traditional W.I. affairs.
Our committee:
Chair:
Jane Davis
Jane has played a leading role over the last twelve months in the formation of CRAG; as well as acting as Treasurer to the Rothbury Women’s Institute (WI). A National WI campaign resolution for ‘Clean Rivers for people and wildlife’ adopted by Rothbury WI was the starting point to Jane bringing together and enabling the groups to form CRAG.
Jane hopes to use her year as Chairperson to encourage many more of the stakeholders along the river’s catchment who want to have a voice in the River Coquet’s future to become a part of CRAG.
Jane says, “I have been an ‘on the couch’ member of Greenpeace for almost 35 years but this is my first Citizen Science based project – which goes to show it’s never too late!”
Deputy Chair:
Gemma Cuthbert
Gemma
Treasurer:
Jamie Day
Jamie’s background in botanical research has underpinned the scientific approach used by CRAG. His more recent work as an information specialist has helped CRAG interpret and present the varied data connected with the Coquet.
Throughout his life Jamie has enjoyed and had a respect for nature. Early in his life, Jamie worked on several nature restoration projects in Australia and was a peaceful protester for nature (e.g. the Franklin River in Tasmania, https://www.wilderness.org.au/about/story/franklin-saved).
Non-office member:
Julia Chambers
Julia loves nature, conservation, sustainable farming, community and the environment. She is the Warkworth and Amble rivers group leader. Her ability to engage with people and galvanise action is immensely valuable to CRAG.
Julia says, “I feel the river is a reflection of our lives. To see it thrive is to see regeneration of life and hope. It brings recovery, joy and a positive future”
Contact us:
Email: coquetriveractiongroup@outlook.com
CRAG 