The ideal way to reconnect rivers is to remove weirs. However all four weirs in this project are listed and form part of our historic landscape. DNAire's fish passes will tackle the four largest weirs left on the river. These are at Armley, Kirkstall Abbey, Newlay and Saltaire.

Each new fish pass is a Larinier fish pass. In the base of these sit baffles that slow the flow of water through the pass. Larger fish are able to swim up the pass. Smaller fish are able to rest behind each baffle before they jump over the next one. The size of each weir means that resting pools are needed half way up.

You may notice small wooden beams across the fish pass at Saltaire and Newlay. These hold monitoring equipment as part of an Environment Agency study with the Hull International Fisheries Institute, University of Hull. This will help us develop our understanding of how effective fish passes are.

DNAire reconnects 60km of river making habitat for fish to breed, feed and shelter. This is important for all fish species, including coarse fish like barbel and roach. For Atlantic salmon, this is especially important as it means being able to swim upstream to spawning grounds in the shallow streams and rivers near Skipton. Their return demonstrates the outstanding quality of our river and signals a bright future for the Aire.

Volunteers make a huge difference to the Aire. Their work makes it pleasant place to visit by removing litter and caring for riverside paths to ensure access for all. Creates habitat makes space for nature and reduces flood risk through tree planting. Riverfly sampling helps us understand the health of the river.

This is possible due to funding from the Environment Agency, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Craven Council and Yorkshire Water.

Visit the Aire on new walks under the banner Discovering the Natural Aire. We want people to explore their local river and be inspired to discover new gems along it. Local history groups and volunteers are sharing the heritage of our river.

DNAire is funding visits to primary schools to inspire the next generation to care for their Aire. By exploring the STEM skills used by professionals caring for our river we aim to create the next generation of River Defenders.

These visits are free to schools.

Just as Atlantic salmon leave our river to start a vast migration to Greenland and back, we are connected to the wider world.

Your actions in Yorkshire can have global benefits.