River Adur Users Survey: Summer 2023
What Adur River Users Love
Photo credit: Tom Forward
From July to September 2023, we tapped into the thoughts of Adur River users through an online survey. We wanted to know how you connect with the river – your activities, what makes it special, and your take on its well-being. The response was great! All in all, we received an impressive 591 responses from all corners of the catchment. Your passion for the river, the insights you shared, and your wealth of knowledge is truly inspiring.
What's Next? Your input will help to guide the River Adur recovery efforts and inform our public engagement. We’ll be rolling out a programme of volunteering and events across 2024 so watch the website to find out more.
For detailed survey results and additional insights, refer to the original slideshow PDF.
The Adur River Recovery
Photo credit: Tom Forward
Welcome to the Adur River Recovery – a land manager led project aiming to improve the health of the River Adur in West Sussex. This isn’t your average project; it’s one of the select few Landscape Recovery pilot projects across the country funded by Defra. Working collaboratively, the Knepp Wildland Foundation, Adur District Council, Horsham District Council, Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust, local land managers, Environment Agency and the community are joining forces to shape a brighter future for the Adur that benefits both nature and people.
Why the interest? The Adur Valley is home to lots of different habitats and hundreds of wildlife species, with a rich history and vibrant communities. However, it's not reaching its full potential, and is facing challenges from pollution, human modification, and climate change.
To get the community talking, we rolled out an online survey from July to September 2023. Shoutouts on social media, emails to local groups, and nods from project partners got the word out. With 591 responses, you shared your thoughts on what the Adur needs, how you cherish it, your take on its health, and most importantly, how you want to be part of its comeback.
For detailed survey results and additional insights, refer to the original slideshow PDF.
Travel & Access
How do you normally travel to the River Adur?
Sustainable forms of travel are most frequently used to get to the Adur.
Walking is the most common method with over 72% (421) of respondents doing so.
Other forms of sustainable transport include cycling at 28% (166) and public transport c6% (35).
Just under 40% (226) of people drive.
‘Other’ methods cited include living on it/next to it/on a houseboat (11), kayaking or boating (7), and horse-riding (2).
How often do river-users visit?
Most of respondents are regular visitors to the Adur.
63% (373) of respondents go to the river once a week or more of which 21% (125) go daily.
23% (136) go at least monthly.
While just 13% visit a few times a year.
Activities along the river
What activities do river-users undertake whilst there?
The Adur provides a host of activities for river-users.
Walking is the most popular thing to do with nearly 80% (471) of respondents selecting it. 31% (182) of people walk their dog.
More active pursuits on land include cycling - enjoyed by 40% (239) people - and running by 20% (118), while on the water, 27% (158) of river users enjoy paddle sports such as kayaking or rowing, and less frequently, sailing and wind sports.
Nature is a big draw with more than half of responders (55%, 325) watching wildlife. 9% (55)of visitors have undertaken volunteering whilst there, including litter-picking or citizen science.
36.7% (217) of people enjoy relaxing and socialising by the river.
Fishing is enjoyed by 12% of people (70).
‘Other’ mentions included:
Swimming (17)
Bird surveys/watching (7)
Bait digging (3)
Horse-riding (3)
What respondents value
Photo credit: Knepp Wildland Foundation
We asked an open-ended question to our respondents, on what is was they like or value most about the River Adur. Here are some of highlights we’ve picked out:
It's like a friend you want to visit in all seasons and tide times
I find being near the river a relaxing invigorating space where I can engage with nature and get away from technology
Having a SSSI on our doorstep is wonderful
It’s a special place and easy to get to and great for a short easy walk.
For detailed survey results and additional insights, refer to the original slideshow PDF.
“I find being near the river a relaxing invigorating space where I can engage with nature and get away from technology”
Condition, pressures and changes
What do river users think about the Adur's condition?
Just over a quarter 26% (154) of respondents think the Adur is good or very good condition.
A similar number 25% (145) believe it is in a poor or very poor state.
40% (237) think its condition its condition is moderate or average/passable, and the remainder (9%) aren’t sure.
The pressures river-users felt were greatest
Greatest pressures:
River-uses were asked to rank various pressures from greatest to smallest threat.
The top 3 pressures, both by number of times voted greatest and by their mean average score were:
Pollution - industrial and residential sources including sewage (ranked as the greatest pressure by 40% of respondents)
Climate change - increased storms/drought and temperature change (ranked as the greatest pressure by 20% of respondents)
Urban development – (ranked as the greatest pressure by 12% of respondents)
Least pressures:
No responders ranked non-native species as the greatest pressure facing the Adur, while man-made modifications were ranked as the least concerning pressure more than any other.
“Water pollution, I think, is the greatest threat to river health, and therefore affects everything and everyone who uses it.”
We also asked respondents an open-ended question on why they ranked the pressures the way they did. Here were some of our favourite responses:
Past physical modifications prevent the river functioning naturally.
Over development eating into current open / free spaces and associated impacts on environment
Water pollution, I think, is the greatest threat to river health, and therefore affects everything and everyone who uses it.
For detailed survey results and additional insights, refer to the original slideshow PDF.
Q&A: Future improvement & vision
Photo credit: Knepp Wildland Foundation
When we asked respondents how they imagine a thriving river in the future, here are some examples of what they said:
Areas created which are dog free and people have been educated regarding limitations to their access to sensitive areas of the riverbanks. Rewilding of reed beds and ditches. I would celebrate the increase in wildlife and bird populations, both at high and low water.
I see a more naturally behaving river system where possible. Removal of flood banks where there is no risk to properties. Pay farmers to allow for loss of farmland land to the river.
Banks allowed to degrade on at least one side to allow vegetation suitable for water-voles, nesting sites for a variety of warblers (sedge, reed and cetti's) and the cuckoos maybe bitterns too.