CURAT is the umbrella body for groups of community volunteers passionate about saving and restoring the river Cam where it flows through north Essex into Cambridgeshire. 

The first 11 miles of the river Cam lie within Uttlesford. Along this stretch are the villages of Newport, Wendens Ambo, Littlebury, Little Chesterford and Great Chesterford. The town of Saffron Walden also has an important influence on the river.  

Historic over-abstraction is robbing the river of its natural spring-fed  flow. Pollutants don’t get diluted and washed away fast enough, resulting in algae, poor oxygenation, loss of biodiversity and over-abundance of non-native species.

You only have to look at the river to see its poor condition. It is not inevitable and can be changed but it needs enthusiasm and involvement.

Volunteers can participate in a range of activities on the river such as clearing banks and growth, water sampling and testing, researching river invertebrates, wildlife monitoring, and restoration projects. We also welcome help in social media and building awareness of the importance of our rivers.