In this series of short videos for secondary schools, Paul Whitehouse explores the environmental and ecological issues facing waterways in the United Kingdom.
Paul investigates a variety of topics including sewage and microplastic pollution, rewilding, and the impact of industrial and agricultural practices on river ecosystems.
Suitable for teaching KS3/4 for England and Northern Ireland, Progression Step 4/5 for Wales and S4/5 for Scotland.
These clips are taken from the series Paul Whitehouse: Our Troubled Rivers – available on BBC iPlayer
Water industry privatisation. video
A look at the background to the privatisation of ten regional water authorities in 1989.
River Wharfe and wastewater systems in the UK. video
Paul visits the River Wharfe in Ilkley, West Yorkshire to see how it is affected by pollution from sewage.
Lake Windermere eutrophication. video
Paul visits Lake Windermere to hear how tourists may be contributing to pollution levels.
Beavers and rewilding in the UK video
Paul visits the River Tamar in Devon to hear about a project that aims to let nature restore ecosystems.
Pharmaceutical pollution in the River Clyde video
Paul visits the River Clyde in Glasgow to hear about pharmaceutical pollution and its consequences.
River monitoring and 're-wiggling' on the River Ribble. video
Paul visits the River Ribble in Lancashire to look at biodiversity monitoring and a project that is putting meanders back into the river.
River Tame microplastic pollution. video
Paul learns about how microplastic pollution affects the River Tame in Greater Manchester.
River Test and UK chalk streams. video
Paul visits Hampshire to look at a very rare habitat – England contains 85% of all chalk streams in the world.
River Thames Tideway project video
Paul visits the construction site of a 'super sewer' in London.
Intensive chicken farming and the River Wye video
Paul looks at how agricultural pollution is affecting the River Wye.
Where next?
Climate Change: Ade on the Frontline. collection
In this series of short films for secondary schools, Ade Adepitan travels to places on the frontline of climate change to see the damage caused and how we can fight it.
Bitesize: KS3 Geography
Use these Bitesize resources to set homework, independent study tasks or to consolidate learning for your pupils.
Newsround: illegal sewage spills
Information gathered by the BBC suggests that every big water company in England illegally released raw sewage into rivers and seas.
