Bottoms Mill Dame. Photo: Michael Forster Jones
A turning point Decades of exploiting the river’s resources, and unintentional neglect, have taken their toll on the River Holme. By the 21st century, invasive species, litter, plastic pollution and erosion were evident throughout the catchment. Meanwhile, buildings and infrastructure had straightened the river’s course and reduced access in places. In 2015, a group of like-minded individuals established the charity, River 2015, with the aim of restoring the health of the River Holme and improving access for all. Today, using the public name River Holme Connections and with the help of dedicated volunteers, our charity is
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passionate about making the River Holme a better to place for people and wildlife. One of the founding trustees, Lynva Russell, explained: “Rivers connect people and communities and nature. They’re a place people seek out to rest and relax, and the mental and physical benefits of having access to outdoor green and blue spaces is now well-documented. “Through River Holme Connections we want to reestablish these links. That’s why we’re improving the river environment: making it accessible for more people to enjoy, while creating a biodiverse habitat for wildlife.”