MORE than 1,100 people have taken part in a major river conservation programme this summer, with sessions in Lydney and Gloucester helping to teach local families how to protect the River Severn and its surrounding ecosystems for generations to come.

The Mizuiku water education programme, run by Lucozade and Ribena producer Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) in partnership with the Severn Rivers Trust, has been running since April across five locations, including Lydney, Worcester, Stourport, Warwick and Gloucester.

The River Severn and its tributaries run close to SBF GB&I’s factory in Coleford, Gloucestershire, where many of its drinks are produced. As a soft drinks business, water is a vital resource, and the company says it takes its responsibility to safeguard it seriously.

It works to reduce water consumption and invest in the ecosystems around its water sources. In recent years, this has included installing a £13 million high-speed filling line that uses up to 40 per cent less water, sourcing 60 per cent of all water from on-site boreholes, and fitting a water recovery unit that treats and reuses excess water.

Launched in Japan 21 years ago, the name Mizuiku combines the Japanese words for “water” and “education.” It was designed to give younger generations the opportunity to learn where their water comes from and understand the importance of protecting it. The programme has now expanded to seven other countries, with tailored initiatives for each location.

This year’s UK programme exceeded expectations, with 1,113 children and adults taking part in hands-on sessions between April and August. The workshops covered a wide range of topics, including the water cycle, the impacts of river pollution, the role of woodlands in water health, and the biodiversity supported by rivers and wetlands.

Participants explored local water issues, investigated pollution through the use of chemical water testing kits, and learned how climate change is putting the UK’s rivers under pressure. They also discovered how green spaces, sustainable urban drainage systems and community-led wildlife surveys can help to protect watercourses.

Fraser McIntosh, director of external affairs and austainability said: “Water is essential to our business and to life itself. Through Mizuiku, we are helping people understand the challenges our rivers face, from climate change to pollution, and what they can do to protect them.”

The workshops took place during a summer in which many of the UK’s rivers have reached exceptionally low levels, according to the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Experts warn that these low levels could worsen, creating risks for households, farmers and businesses.

Feedback from local participants has been overwhelmingly positive. One attendee said: “Absolutely incredible. My nephew has ADHD and Autism and he had the most amazing time. The team are amazing and we cannot thank you enough for everything you have done this holiday.”

SBF GB&I says it will continue to run and expand the Mizuiku programme in the UK, aiming to reach even more people along the River Severn and beyond in the years ahead.