© James Murray-White

Dear Community: Water with our head, hands and heart

Wed 23 October 2024

Cledara Abbey Stadium

Our local area is home to one of the rarest water-based ecosystems in the world: the chalk stream. These rare and magical bodies of water can support many species—from damselflies to otters to trout—and us humans! Throughout history, the waters around Cambridge have been the focus of pilgrimage, healing, enjoyment, and community.

But chalk streams are in crisis, facing the challenges of canalisation, pollution and over-abstraction. Chalk streams like Coldham’s Brook struggle through low flows and algal blooms, these stresses echo across the ecosystem. It is clear that something must be done.

But our usual ways of thinking about, talking about, and being with water are not working. We need to reconsider our relations with water on which all life relies. With our heads, hands and hearts, how may we reconnect and be with water differently?

You are warmly invited to join CRASSH, Water Sensitive Cambridge, the Cambridge Interfaith Programme, ecologists and creatives for activities at the Layrd Lounge at the Cambridge United Football Club. Join us for a few sessions, or the full day. We hope these events raise awareness, understanding, and engagement with local water issues.

This event is a collaboration between CRASSH, Water Sensitive Cambridge, and the Cambridge Interfaith Programme.

With thanks to the Cambridge United Foundation, the Charitable arm of Cambridge United Football Club.