River Worth Restoration

The River Worth Restoration is a wide-reaching project that seeks to identify opportunities for river restoration, access improvements and increasing volunteer engagement along the River Worth. The project will conclude in 2025 (although delivery will have been scaled back in the latter stages of the project). It is intended that it will develop future fundable projects.

Bringing new life into our town

Like many of our urban rivers the River Worth and the streams that flow into it (its tributaries) has been shaped by the industrial growth of a typical West Yorkshire town, Keighley. Our urban waterways find themselves pinned in behind mills and factories, choked by weirs that once powered these vital parts of our economy and suffering from pollution from urban runoff and sewage treatment.

CREATING A MORE NATURAL RIVER

Through the River Worth Restoration we will create space for wildlife to feed, breed and shelter

CREATING A WELCOMING SPACE FOR ALL

The project will share the river's wildlife through, walks, signage and art; improve riverside footpaths and tackle litter

We have seen considerable improvements to the river in recent years. A waterway that could once have been described as “dead” at its industrial peak supports wide variety of wildlife including brown trout and dippers.

It provides a tranquil green haven for local residents to escape to, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Much of this improvement has been due to decline of heavy industry and improvements in sewage treatment but a huge proportion of it is down to the hard work and aspirations of local residents and volunteers.

The Aire Rivers Trust works to improve all the rivers and streams within the area that flows into the River Aire (its catchment). As one of the largest tributaries and sub catchments it takes a special interest in the River Worth.

To date we have delivered substantial projects that included the tackling of extensive fly tipping on North Beck and improvements to Postman’s Walk pocket park that has seen it change from a magnet for anti-social behaviour into a real community asset. With our support, local volunteers have formed River Worth Friends, a grass roots volunteer group that makes a huge change to the river collecting litter and monitoring pollution.Click here to visit the River Worth Friends' website

Volunteers caring for their river

We want to support local volunteers to care for their river with training, volunteering opportunities and support

Shaping the future of the river

Skilled project workers will collect data and develop long-term plans for the river and seek funding to create a river of change

This project is part funded by the Keighley Towns Fund and Keighley Big Local, supported with funding from Enforcement Undertakings.

© 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

Top