Local communities clean-up wildlife corridor on Leeds and Bradford boundary
Volunteers have helped remove large amounts of litter and fly-tipped waste from Fagley Beck.
The clean-ups are taking place along Fagley Beck, an important tributary of the River Aire that runs along the boundary of Leeds and Bradford, and through Ravenscliffe Woods before joining the main River Aire at Apperley Bridge.
The beck is a vital wildlife corridor as well as a valued green space for local residents.
Volunteers removed litter, fly-tipping and debris from the water and surrounding banks and footpaths, collecting an estimated 60 bin bags of litter along with ten wheelbarrow loads of fly-tipped waste.
The clean-ups form part of the Aire Rivers Trust’s community engagement project, Roots in the River, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project supports communities to understand the history of their local river or beck, why it was and is important, and upskill them to be able to look after it. responsibly.
A pollution incident occurred during the event as can be seen in the photo. This was immediately reported to Environment Agency, who attended to investigate. We encourage people to report similar incidents.
Anna Williams, Engagement Officer at the Aire Rivers Trust, says: “Our river clean-up volunteer days are incredibly rewarding, and it’s been fantastic to see so many volunteers and community members getting involved in Ravenscliffe so far. We’re really looking forward to our upcoming dates and hope even more people from the local area can join us.”