About The Aquifer Partnership

Formed in 2016, we are a partnership focused on the aquifer, our precious natural resource. We’ve drawn from experts across the UK and even the globe to learn about sustainable blue-green solutions for the issues facing our aquifer.

From the River Adur in the west, the River Ouse to the east, and up to the edge of the Downs, the land is shaped by a tremendous block of chalk. This chalk holds water like a sponge in an aquifer. This is the water that makes the journey to your home, ready at the turn of a tap to quench a thirst, cook a meal, wash a muddy kit or fill a paddling pool. It’s a vital natural resource.

But like so many others, this natural resource is under threat. Pollution is a problem, not just here, but for aquifers, rivers, lakes and oceans the world over. A growing population increases the pressure on our shared water. TAP is bringing people together to protect our aquifer.

In the towns we’re making rainscapes to catch pollution and hold back floodwaters. We’re showing where that drain leads so we can make sure we keep waste out of the system – no dumping please!

We can’t protect what we do not know, so we also champion the aquifer, promoting knowledge and understanding whenever and wherever we can.

Our Goals

Water Quality and Quantity

Being dedicated to preserving the aquifer isn’t enough; our goals are to improve the water quality and quantity that sinks into the ground. We do this using evidence-based solutions, which means data and scientific communities back them.

Increasing Biodiversity

Changing an underused space into one that positively impacts the aquifer also means it benefits the nature. We focus on using plants and designs that regenerate a space for nature.

Creating Community

It’s not enough to build sustainable solutions; we need to create and sustain beautiful places for people too. Each of our projects involves the community around it, from educational talks about the aquifer to using community feedback to develop designs that serve them better.

Who We Work With

Farmers

We work with farmers, trialing the best way to grow crops and raise animals with our water in mind. We team up with greenkeepers and horse owners to decide how to keep conditions just right and the impact light.

Schools

Schools are joining us to manage water better for the future, bringing students on a journey of discovery along the way.

Trail blazers

We work with our partner organisations to educate and support leaders. Here we work on in implementing sustainable, nature-based solutions into wider community projects, but also on the small scale too with rain garden planters.

Our Projects

If you’re interested in getting involved, give us a shout, or see what changes you can make now!

We work in partnership

At the core of TAP are professionals who love water. Love studying it, protecting it, talking about it. There are even more people, organisations, groups, schools, who have joined with us. Together we can achieve so much more.

TAP

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Alternatively you can email Aimee.Felus@southdowns.gov.uk or visit South Downs National Park – TAP for more information on The Aquifer Partnership