Better Becks seeks to identify and deliver river restoration opportunities across a number of streams that flow into the River Aire. It builds on eaarlier work in which we identified a wide range of weirs, INNS, pollution sources and river restoration opportunities that adversely affect the quality of the becks in the middle Aire.

Together we want to make more space for nature, tackle pollution, remove barriers that block fish and improve water quality.

The River Aire includes a hugely varied catchment that includes both the rural landscape that inspired the Bronte sister’s writing and the urban industrial powerhouse that once made Bradford one of the richest cities in the world. That heritage has left us with a legacy of a heavily modified watercourse whose water quality and biodiversity are under pressure from urban growth and agriculture.

Only five of our fifty-one waterbodies were classified as good for ecological health by the Environment Agency in 2019. This is considerable progress on the two in 2016, but there is a great deal of scope to improve this.

Our project brings together experts with geomorphological, hydrological and ecological skillsets to develop a holistic understanding of the issues that affect our becks and streams. By identifying problems we can develop creative proposals that benefit landowners, local communities and nature. We want to use nature-based solutions to improve water quality and reduce flood risk.

© Copyright Aire Rivers Trust 2020
The Aire Rivers Trust is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No: 07464227 and a Registered Charity No: 1145609
Registered Office at: 38 Morton Lane, East Morton, Keighley BD20 5RS