Bid for first official wild swimming spot in Berkshire
If successful it would only be the third on the Thames
An environmental charity is spearheading a campaign to have a popular wild swimming spot in Berkshire given recreational water status.
Environmental charity Thames21 is applying for Pangbourne Meadow on the Thames near Reading to be given the special status - if they succeed it'll be the first official wild swimming spot on the Thames in Berkshire.
The status legally compels The Environment Agency to test the water between May-September and make results public.
Claire Robertson from Thames21 says it's an ideal spot:
"It's used a lot already not just by swimmers but by kayakers and paddle-boarders who also come into contact with the water.
"Over the past couple of years we've had citizen scientists out testing the water there and it tends to be good quality most of the time"
The bid by Thames 21 to apply for designated recreational water status is being backed by Pangbourne Parish Council, and West Berkshire Council.
Only two other sites - both in Oxfordshire - are designated on the Thames.