Film maker Mark Barrow is a fierce defender of the nation's waterways, making him our pick for this year's 'Unsung Hero of the Year' award in the National Angling Awards.
It's one thing complaining about sewage in our rivers, but one man has literally dived in head-first to help!
Beneath British Waters film maker Mark Barrow has risked his own health to reveal the beauty of our waterways as well as the ugly truth that threatens them.
Many congratulations, Mark. We felt that this was a fitting tribute. How does it feel? You’re even diving today, aren’t you?
Indeed, it’s minus 2 degrees Celsius right now, but that news has really made my day! I’m quite overwhelmed, to be honest. It makes it all worthwhile.
When did your journey begin with raising awareness of pollution?
Around 20 years ago I spotted these lovely perch under a willow, before seeing sewage flowing into the river just yards away! I knew it went on, but I had no idea just how bad it was. I felt that I had to show others.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SEWAGE THREAT FACING OUR RIVERS AND CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS TRYING TO PROTECT THEM.
It’s been quite a year for you, including working on the BBC programme Our Troubled Rivers. What was that like?
Paul Whitehouse was one of the best people I’ve worked with. He’s so down to earth and cares so genuinely. It’s so important to show these issues to a much bigger audience.
So often aquatic life doesn’t get a look-in on television, and people don’t really see what’s going on underwater. Hopefully it hit home.
I’ve been inundated with requests since, with TV appearances booked on Good Morning Britain and Look North.
We know you also got ill doing the BBC work – which highlights what we’re up against. We hope you’re in better health now?
I got so ill after the BBC show! Because the river was so low, I had to use snorkel gear rather than my full diving kit. I knew the risks, but the opportunity was too important to miss.
I’m quite healthy, luckily. I’ve been exposed that much to pollution I’m becoming bomb proof! Perhaps one day medical science will study me?
Besides the uglier truth, you also film some amazing and beautiful things. What surprised you most in 2023?
I’m rarely shocked any more because I’ve seen so much in rivers. But yes, it’s important to show the beauty and not just the damage.
One of the most interesting sightings was gudgeon feeding on minnows! It was crazy to watch – these little fish have eyes bigger than their bellies and some were more successful than others!
Another unusual find was an area on the River Wharfe to film river rudd. I’d found a really slow-moving section and I knew they were there, I just needed the right conditions.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AMAZING HABITS OF OUR FISH HERE.
Readers can catch up with your work on YouTube and other platforms (@BeneathBritishWaters), but what else can we look forward in 2024?
I have a special film called The River Wharfe: A Living Artery that’s really exciting. It features all kinds of life on the river, from spawning barbel to running salmon. I’ll be gunning for the film festivals first, including Leeds Film Festival and Wildscreen at Bristol – and I’m in talks with the Angling Trust to get Paul Whitehouse on board. I’ll be up against the likes of the Blue Planet team!
Lastly, Mark, are you still hopeful for our rivers? What can anglers do?
I’m always hopeful. Change will happen! It’s got to, we can’t carry on like this. Anglers are vital – we’re the original river conservationists! I’d advise anyone to film or take pictures and share pollution sightings. Link up with other groups and get in touch with your MPl!
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