Roots in the River

The primary focus of the project is on the natural heritage of the River Worth, Fagley Beck and other tributaries of the Aire in the vicinity of Keighley and Bradford.

Our environmental heritage is beyond the stage of being at risk. It is in severe decline and has been since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. From the Industrial Revolution onwards these watercourses have been heavily altered and impacted by humans, with weirs built for mills, sections culverted or confined to man-made channels, and pollution from sewage, agriculture, and urban drainage. The project will directly address these ecological degradations.

These becks and rivers are vital wildlife corridors, connecting diverse habitats and enabling species movement, especially for migration and dispersal. They support both aquatic and terrestrial species, offering water, food, and shelter. Riparian zones provide habitats for birds, mammals, and amphibians, while rivers transport nutrients and seeds, fostering plant growth.

Rivers play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem connectivity, supporting species' survival, and promoting resilience in both aquatic and surrounding environments.

The waters where we propose to work are important spawning and refuge habitats for the fish that are slowly returning as the worst of the pollution is brought under control. They are also valuable green spaces providing important and diverse recreational opportunities for local communities, offering activities that promote physical health, relaxation, and social interaction. Their contribution to individual and community wellbeing is widely recognised.

None of these watercourses meet the Environment Agency’s criteria for ‘acceptable ecological condition’, all being classed as no better than Moderate, and all are classified as ‘Heavily Modified’

The River Worth Valley was historically home to numerous mills during the industrial revolution. The Worth Valley became a major centre for woollen and worsted production due to its proximity to fast-flowing rivers, which powered the early mills, and access to raw materials. It has been estimated that there were around 30 to 50 mills in the River Worth Valley at its peak during the 19th century. Many of these were large textile mills, but the number also includes smaller factories and mills related to spinning, weaving, and finishing woollen fabrics.

Many of these mills have since closed or been repurposed, though some buildings (and most of the watery infrastructure, such as weirs, goits, mill ponds and canalised rivers) still stand as remnants of the region's industrial heritage. As a consequence of this history, there is a strong cultural connection to the communities that relied on the water for their settlements and livelihoods. Even today the presence of litter and fly tipping makes the rivers less visually attractive. The project will engage the community with this history.

1. Events sharing our knowledge of heritage and the challenges faced. We will highlight the decline in biodiversity and bring the story to life of why people inhabited the River Aire corridor. We will ask about personal connections to and memories of the rivers they know, building a deeper understanding of why it is important to them. This will lead to design and deliver nature connection activities and walks at watercourses.
2. During events and walks we will introduce volunteering activities and ask for ideas that we can co-design.

• In-channel and bankside debris removal and litter picking
• Invasive weed clearance
• Building leaky dams to reduce flood risk
• Tree planting
• Hedgerow maintenance
• Wildflower meadow maintenance
• Footpath improvements
• Citizen Science including Riverfly Monitoring.

Councillor Chris Hayden, Labour Councillor for Eccleshill Ward, says “As a local councillor for Eccleshill, I am excited about the launch of the Aire Rivers Trust’s Roots in the River Project, and the opportunities it will bring for local people. I know that residents care deeply about this corner of our neighbourhood. The community outreach project will focus on Fagley Beck as it runs through Fagley and Ravenscliffe Woods towards Greengates. It will provide a chance for local people to get involved with activities that aim to improve wellbeing through access to nature, and improve habitats for wildlife. I welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with organisations like the Aire Rivers Trust in our local area.”

Rachel Forsyth, Chief Executive of Aire Rivers Trust, says “We are incredibly excited to start work on our Roots in the River project, which represents a real change in how we work with local communities and support the health of the river. Our aim is to understand what different people want and need from us and the river, overcoming barriers to involvement and deepening connection with local places and nature.”

Take a look at the BBC coverage of the launch of the project or the Telegraph and Argus article.