CHILDREN from two local schools will be taking part in the Chilterns Water Festival at the weekend (Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23).

Pupils from Prae Wood and Colney Heath Schools will join others from across the Chiltern region to celebrate the importance of water for people and wildlife.

Among the activities which will take place over the weekend are stream dipping and water divining.

Children will also learn how to measure stream flows, and learn about how the Romans used water.

A family day will take place on Saturday and is open to everyone. Even adults can learn more about water by wandering around water-friendly home and garden displays and having a go at fishing on the Rye Dyke.

The Redbournbury Mill will also play a part in the event, by taking its working display of a water mill along.

The event is being organised by the Chilterns Conservation Board with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, along with the Environment Agency, Countryside Agency, Three Valleys Water and other local organisations.

Conservation officer at the Chilterns Conservation Board, Ms Sarah Bentley said: "Here in the Chilterns we are only too aware that using lots of water has a serious effect on the environment.

"A few years ago some of our chalk streams, including the Ver, almost completely dried up.

"These streams are really under threat and if we don't reduce the amount of water we use there just won't be enough to keep the chalk streams and other rivers around the UK flowing."

The Water Festival will be held at The Rye in High Wycombe call 01844 271300 for details.

June 18, 2002 12:30