Our Partnership
Our partnership works collaboratively to restore and improve the River Pang and its catchment
We are a partnership of communities, landowners, environmental groups, statutory organisations among others, working together to improve the condition of the River Pang, the Sulham Brook and their catchments. Our partnership is diverse to provide all with opportunity to be heard. We will achieve more collectively than we would do alone.
10 Year Programme for Sustainable Change
As a Flagship Chalk Stream partnership we are committed to long-term, catchment-scale restoration, guided by the principles established in the Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy. These include:
- Optimise natural processes and enhance the River Pang and Sulham Brook catchments
- Increase the resilience of the river system to flood, drought and climate change
- Achieve at least ‘Good’ Ecological Status under the Water Framework Directive (WFD)
Our work is underpinned by science, local knowledge, and collaboration.
Our Mid-term Focus
2025-2027: In the first 3 years, we aim to:
- Develop our shared understanding of the health of our river, taking action to find out what we need to know more about
- Reconnect a section of floodplain, make at least 2 weirs passable to fish and publish information for river owners and users
- Support landowners with advice and better access to existing funding mechanisms
- Build awareness and engagement with local communities including schools and volunteers
- Secure long-term funding for delivery
Our Partners
Our Partnership Host is Action for the Rivers Kennet and Pang (ARK), the Rivers Trust for the Kennet and Pang catchments. They support the strategic direction of the partnership by co-ordinating action and projects across all partners through the Working Groups.
Thames Water selected the Pang as a Chalk Stream Flagship project in 2023 and have since provided coordination support and technical expertise, and report on progress to DEFRA. Thames Water Sponsor the project, with funding committed from 2025-2030.
As the national statutory regulator for the environment, the Environment Agency brings monitoring expertise and strategic direction to the Flagship.
The Pang Valley Flood Forum’s local knowledge and roots in the community support the partnership’s action.
How We Work Together
We are a partnership of equals, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders who care about the river and its catchment. Our structure is designed for both co-ordination and action.
Steering Group
Provides strategic leadership, oversees progress, and ensures accountability. Made up of representatives from Action for the Rivers Kennet and Pang (ARK), the Environment Agency, Thames Water and Pang Valley Flood Forum.
Working Groups
Five themed groups drive on-the-ground delivery, research, and collaboration:
- Engagement, Education & Outreach
- Habitat, Floodplain Restoration & Natural Flood Management
- Catchment Wide Land Management
- Low Flows
- Environmental Monitoring
Each working group is managed by a Working Group Leader, and their groups are made up of experts, landowners, community representatives, and partner organisations. Get in touch to find out how you can get involved.
Project Managers
The projects needed to restore the Pang and Sulham Brook are delivered by a range of organisations, with several having multiple partners involved. We refer to our project managers as all those who are responsible for projects that contribute to the delivery of the Pang’s Restoration Strategy.
Stakeholder Group
A broad and growing network of individuals and organisations with a stake in the catchment who we engage with regularly through meetings, events, and updates. Our stakeholders include those who are members of a specific Working Group and/or our Steering Group too.
Working groups
Our Working Group members drive on-the-ground delivery, research and collaboration.
Each working group is managed by a Working Group Leader, and their groups are made up of experts, landowners, community representatives, and partner organisations. Contact the Working Group Leader to join the group or find out more.
Low flows
Protecting the natural flow of the Pang’s chalk stream. This group investigates the causes of reduced flow, promotes efficient water use, and works with partners to influence water resource management, ensuring the river has enough water to sustain its ecosystems year-round.
Environmental Monitoring
Gathering the evidence needed to guide action and measure success. This group coordinates water quality testing, habitat surveys, species monitoring, and citizen science, helping the Partnership understand how the river is changing and where interventions can have the greatest impact. Download our Pang Flagship Environmental Monitoring Strategy.
Habitat, Floodplain Restoration & Natural Flood Management
Restoring the river’s natural processes and reconnecting it with its floodplain. This group develops and delivers projects that improve in-stream and riparian habitats, reduce flood risk, and create space for nature using natural solutions that benefit both wildlife and people.
Catchment Wide Land Management
Supporting sustainable farming and land use across the Pang and its tributaries. The group works collaboratively with land managers to reduce pollution, improve soil health, manage runoff, and enhance biodiversity — ensuring the wider landscape supports a healthy river system.
Engagement, Education & Outreach
Building awareness and inspiring action across the Pang catchment. This group works with local communities, schools, landowners, and volunteers to share knowledge about the river, promote sustainable behaviour, and celebrate the unique value of our chalk stream environment.