The State of Our Rivers - Reflections and Prospects

7.30 pm for 8.00 pm, Friday 16th January 2026, Farleigh School, Red Rice, Andover, Hants

Alan Lovell – Chair – The Environment Agency

In January 2023, Alan Lovell gave a well-attended lecture entitled “Restoring confidence in the quality of English rivers – the Challenge for and the Role of the Environment Agency” in which he covered the role of the EA, the chronic under investment by the industry and the level and value of fines. 

He promised then to come back in three years to give an update, and we are delighted that he is delivering on this commitment.

As well as reviewing the last three years, Alan will also give his views on the future, particularly in the light of the recent findings of the Independent Water Commission. This proposes an overhaul of the water regulatory system by merging the powers, functions and responsibilities of the current regulators, Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, together with the water-related roles of the Environment Agency and Natural England. The stated goal is to halve sewage pollution incidents within the next five years.

Is this enough and will these changes at last, really clean up our rivers and improve the performance of the water companies? Will the agricultural sector also deliver the improvements required? Alan will review the Government’s plans and whether these reforms and ambitious targets will positively impact water quality in our Chalk Streams across the Test Valley catchment area.  

Alan Lovell has been the Chair of the Environment Agency since September 2022. In his executive career, Alan was CEO of six companies, of which two were in the renewable energy sector and three in construction, including Costain Group plc. In his non-executive career, Alan has been a non-executive director and chair at Interserve Group, Lloyd’s of London, SIG and the Consumer Council for Water. He has chaired the University of Winchester and the Mary Rose Trust and was High Sheriff of Hampshire in 2010-11. Alan is a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire.

Tickets

Tickets cost £15.00 per person.

Booking tickets

To buy tickets, please open the link below or use the QR code below.  This will take you to an online booking form with full instructions on payment.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/9KXHEmbquc.    

From 15 October, tickets will also be available at Clatford Village Store & Post Office, Greenfield Farm Shop or Abbotts Ann Village Store.  

Time & Venue

Doors will open at 7.30pm. The Lecture starts at 8.00 pm at Farleigh School, Red Rice, SP11 7PW.  Adequate parking is available near the Hall.

Distribution of Funds

Funds raised will be distributed to All Saints’ Church, The Countess of Brecknock Hospice and the Pillhill Brook Association.