Winterbournes are a type of temporary river that only flow above ground at certain times of year. They are very important in understanding how groundwater works, as well as chalk aquifers. Observing the flora and fauna they support is vital, because it gives clues to a whole variety of environmental patterns, including the effects of pollution, urbanisation and what may happen with climate change.

In this episode, host Helen interviews Patrycja Meadows (Pan Area Senior Ecologist at Environment Agency) to get the theory on winterbournes... and then visits one with Patrycja and her team as they undertake sampling. On a lovely spring day with the river flowing fast and the lambs bleating in the background, this is an evocative and insightful episode captured at the perfect time of year to explore winterbournes.

Patrycja talks passionately about the role of citizen science, and you can find out more about how to get involved via these pages of the Enivronment Agency website.

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