Volunteers join forces to tidy up River Aire

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Volunteers were out in force across Leeds working to improve the River Aire.

Students from the University of Leeds joined community and environmental groups as part of the Aire Rivers Trust’s “Our Clean River” event.

This event saw a dozen river cleans stretching from Skipton to Leeds.

In Leeds, TCV Skelton Grange’s Green Team, Friends of the Aire, students from the University of Leeds, Horsforth Litter Pickers and members of Bradford’s Dawoodi Bohras community were out collecting litter along their stretches of river.

The events are particularly important as the falling Winter levels leave the banks strewn with litter, wet wipes from sewer overflows and fly tipping. Left uncollected they will break down into micro plastics that are eaten by wildlife and damage the river ecosystems.

Simon Watts, from the Aire Rivers Trust, said: “It’s great to see so many groups that are proud of their stretch of the river who want to help it continue to become healthier and home to more wildlife.

“The river Aire forms a wonderful green corridor through our city. Whether it’s to fish or to walk many people have a close connection to our river and find an enjoyable and rewarding place to visit. Events like this area great opportunity to meet new groups working towards a shared goal.”

The Aire Rivers Trust takes volunteers out on Thursdays and Fridays each week to care for the river. They carry out a variety of tasks from litter picks and tree planting, to caring for riverside spaces for nature.”

More details on the Aire Rivers Trust website.

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