River stewardship

I read Raymond Barry’s comments on the River Colne around Huddersfield with more than a passing interest ( Letters, July issue). Over the years we have been developing public access to the river, including the area of Milnsbridge, Raymond’s childhood home. It’s not been easy, given the area’s industrial past, but we operate on the basis that if people don’t know and appreciate what they have on their doorstep, they will not be interested in its stewardship.

While Raymond is absolutely right in stating that more needs to be done, we are making significant progress. Along the length of the

River Colne (and the Holme, its main tributary), there are now good populations of brown trout and grayling; so much so that some anglers come from afar to sample what is on offer (in part, I am sure, because some stretches are free).

One remaining challenge, however, is the significant barriers to fish migration. Encouragingly, downstream on the Aire and Calder rivers the biggest of the weirs have, or are having, fish passes installed. This bodes well for the return of salmon, some of which have been seen stuck below these weirs.

Also, businesses around Huddersfield, recognising their value, are supporting our efforts to manage the greenspaces along the rivers, including dealing with the other problems, such as invasive weeds, plastic litter and diffuse pollution.

It will take time but the potential benefits are great. We can all help by making an effort to rediscover the delights of our urban rivers and help in their restoration.

Jeff Keenlyside, Greenstreams Project and Chair Aire-calder Catchment Partnership