ARK is seeking a River Catchment Project Officer

We are recruiting a project officer to continue ARK’s work to improve rivers and wetlands for the benefit of wildlife and people. This role is based in river Kennet and Pang catchments. This is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from people who would prefer to work part time. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they are exceptionally self motivated and are passionate about improving the environment. They must be an excellent communicator, enjoy practical activity and be enthusiastic about continuing to develop their knowledge and skills.

Download the full Job Description here.

Deadline for applications: 26th March 2026 

Our Aim
To replace the old wooden boardwalk by the Kennet which is no longer fit for purpose. It is a valued community asset in Marlborough. The wooden boardwalk at our Stonebridge Wild River Reserve, Marlborough has come to the end of its life. We've recently removed a section that was unsafe and after years of repair and replacing parts we are now keen to remove and replace the whole boardwalk.
The boardwalk is a valued community asset, well-loved and well used by local residents of all ages and visitors to the town. It provides a beautiful walk throughout the seasons along the banks of the Kennet (a rare chalk stream). 

Donations of all sizes welcomed. Scan the QR code below or click here to help us raise the funds to build a new boardwalk.
The boardwalk provides a chance to experience nature first hand, with every chance of seeing species such as kingfisher, water vole and brown trout.
Our vision is to remove the old boardwalk this year and replace it using recycled plastic materials, which have excellent non-slip, require minimal maintenance and will last longer than the old wooden one.
The new boardwalk will be fitted by our excellent volunteers, led by an experienced member of our team. The design incorporates improved accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, meaning more people can safely connect with nature.


For enquiries about this boardwalk fundraiser email anna@kennetandpang.org

ARK’s water quality monitoring led by Professor Michael Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Microbiology at UCL has identified three clear pollution events in just seven sampling occasions on the River Lambourn.

Testing shows E.coli concentrations at 10 times the Bathing Water Standards, highlighting significant water quality issues. The sewerage system, overwhelmed by rainfall and groundwater, frequently spills directly into the river through stormwater drains, posing both public health risks and potential ecological damage.

The Lambourn is an internationally rare chalk stream, it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
 
See our full report for further details .

An article on the BBC this week suggested that we might solve the problem of American Signal Crayfish by eating them. We don't agree. Read our position statement here.

Catching rain to make a greener, cleaner more beautiful village. Action for the River Kennet have been working with the community in Great Bedwyn to find ways to manage rain better to reduce flooding and pollution. Read more here

We are recruiting for a new project officer. Full details on the ARK team page here. Closing date for applications 12 January 2024.

A new recycled plastic bench is now in situ at Stonebridge Wild River Reserve, Marlborough. To read the full press release click here.

Action for the River Kennet (ARK) is supporting the call to ban disposable vapes, having identified them as new and concerning threat to the River Kennet.

At the charity’s recent annual Big Litter Pick in Marlborough volunteers waded the Kennet from Stonebridge Lane to Figgins Lane bridge in the centre of town removing 424 items from the river.

To read our full press release click here

Visit our Vapes Polluting Our Rivers webpage

Action for the River Kennet (ARK) was awarded the Trentham Conservation & Environment Award by the Newbury and District Agricultural Society (read more)