£247,000 National Lottery boost for Roots in the River project

£247,000 National Lottery Boost for Roots in the River Project

An environmental charity has received funding from the National Lottery for a project connecting people with the natural and industrial heritage of local watercourses. The Roots in the River project, led by the Aire Rivers Trust, has been awarded a £247,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Project Scope and Locations

The 18-month initiative will focus on waterways such as the River Worth, which flows through Keighley, Fagley Beck, and other smaller becks in the Bradford area.

Project Goals and Activities

A spokesperson explained the importance of these watercourses since the Industrial Revolution:

"From the time of the Industrial Revolution, these watercourses have been heavily altered, yet the becks and rivers are vital wildlife corridors – connecting habitats and enabling species movement. They're also valuable spaces for our communities to access nature locally."

Through a variety of activities including walks, talks, volunteering, and other events, the project aims to emphasize the relationship between the natural environment and industrial heritage while promoting river restoration efforts.

There is a particular focus on engaging communities who are traditionally underrepresented in environmental activities and who tend to spend less time by the rivers.

Community Involvement

The organizers encourage residents from the relevant areas to participate in designing and delivering nature-based activities at the watercourses to strengthen local connections.

"We are calling on people from the areas concerned to contact us so that we can design and deliver nature activities at the watercourses."

Author's summary: The Roots in the River project, funded by a £247,000 National Lottery grant, seeks to restore waterways and engage underrepresented communities in connecting with their local natural and industrial heritage.

Bradford Telegraph & Argus — 2025-11-12