About Us
BedsGOVET (Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust) is a registered Charity focused on monitoring and improving the health of the River Great Ouse.
As a science citizen-based charity, we are the only organisation in Bedfordshire conducting regular pollutant testing in the river, including nitrate, phosphate, and E.coli, which have been found at dangerously high levels.
Our Vision
• A clean, pollutant-free River Great Ouse.
• Designated bathing water status for certain sections.
• Enhanced biodiversity and a connected nature corridor.
• A river that promotes well-being for residents and visitors.
We Believe in A Collaborative Approach
River Restoration
Restoring the River Ouse means bringing life back to the heart of our environment. It’s a legacy of care—for nature, for people, and for future generations.
Community Engagement
Demonstrating how the organization involves local communities in river conservation through education.
Testing, Recording and Reporting
We’re monitoring 16 Great Ouse sites from Turvey to Great Barford, targeting recreation areas and E. coli hotspots. Tier 2 recognition is underway.
Real People. Real Impact.
We are a friendly bunch of people who all have the same aim to be able to enjoy our local river and beauty spots in Bedfordshire. If you would like to join us, you will receive full training on the testing aspects, alternatively we have plenty of other roles that need your help. You will be making a real difference, as well as enjoying a new set of likeminded friends.
Trustees
Mike Clifton
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Mike joined Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust BedsGOVET in March 2023. In April he became a trustee for the organisation, and has constructed the various testing apparatus used to collect water samples from the river. He also manages the regular testing sites between Turvey, Odell, Felmersham and Stevington.
Mike is also involved as a volunteer for Wild Ken Hill in North West Norfolk working on its re-wilding project. Many may have seen the program on BBC – Spring Autumn and Winter Watch, which was filmed there.
Henry Lafferty
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After a successful business career at the highest levels of listed, private and PE-backed businesses, Henry has taken to volunteering like the proverbial duck to water. He helps the North Beds. Ramblers “RIPPLE” (footpath repair) group and the Beds. Cambs. and Northants. Wildfile Trust rare species guardians’ team, and he has been a volunteer with BedsGOVET since June 2023. More recently, in June 2024 he was appointed a trustee and Hon. Sec. of the charity.
Qualifications: MSc FCMA CGMA FIOD FRSA
Alan Horn
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After retiring from a career in business that included living and working overseas in Italy and USA, he concentrated on documentary photography which led to a two-week exhibition in Norwich highlighting the plight of the Happisburgh village community in Norfolk as it succumbs to the North Sea. The exhibition is now on permanent display in the village and the work has also been featured in Les Echos, a Parisien newspaper.
Alan now concentrates on helping BedsGOVET to build its reputation as a force to improve the quality of the water in the River Great Ouse
Qualifications: BSc BA (Hons) MBA ARPS
Simon Bates
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A local of the North Bedfordshire villages, recently moved to the side of the Ouse, he has been keen to be active on environmental projects and biodiversity. Has planted over 80 acres of woodland on current and previously held land. Keen on the whole of the river health, for the benefit of both river users end the ecosystem itself.
Qualifications: MSc
Inga Wells
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Having worked in the higher education sector for many years, I’ve gained extensive insight into environmental engineering and technology through close collaboration with colleagues at Cranfield University and, more recently, the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
In my role as a senior manager, I was responsible not only for delivering strategic marketing and communications programs to support growth in emerging markets, but also for bringing together educators, entrepreneurs, and policy experts. My focus was on helping to future-proof educational programmes, particularly in the areas of technology and environmental science.
As a long-term resident of Elstow for the past 24 years, the River Great Ouse has always been a special place for me—a source of reflection, peace, and shared moments with friends and family. I’m pleased to now apply my professional experience to inform and engage residents on the important work being done in our community, and to support policy changes where they are needed.
Qualifications: Executive MBA, Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies (DMS)
Additional Resources
Bedford Borough Council
The Environment Agency
Bedford Independent Newspaper
Registered Charity Number: 1198830
Registered on: 5th May 2022
Full Name: Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust (BedsGOVET)
Our Charitable Object
As recognised by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, our purpose is:
“To promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the Great Ouse Valley and environs in Bedfordshire through a programme of river monitoring and community engagement, and by the advancement of the education of the public in the understanding of the importance of river quality on biodiversity, economic and social activity.”
© 2025 Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust (BedsGOVET). All rights reserved.