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Press Release

20th October 2022

Merging conservation charities look to increase action to improve the Welland and Witham catchments

Neighbouring charities the Welland Rivers Trust and Lincolnshire Rivers Trust have announced their merger to become East Mercia Rivers Trust. The new organisation will work within the catchment boundaries of the rivers Welland and Witham, which extends across five counties and includes over 120 watercourses, encompassing the main tributaries of the Welland, the rivers Glen, Gwash, Chater and the Eye Brook and the Witham, the rivers Slea, Bain, Till and Barlings Eau.

Chair of the new East Mercia Rivers Trust Andrew Morriss expressed his optimism about the timing of this union, “The pooling of skills and knowledge will open opportunities for us to increase our impact at a time when the current economic situation is particularly testing. The Welland Valley Partnership and Witham Catchment Partnership will retain their independence, but this merger will foster greater collaboration between the catchment partners to accelerate activities on the ground.” The retiring Chair of Welland Rivers Trust Ramsay Ross added, “There is no river in England that is classed as being in good health. We urgently need to improve and secure the future of our rivers. Organisational stability and growth are critical to foster that.”

Executive Director of East Mercia Rivers Trust Rachel Butler, commented on the significance of the merger, “The river catchments of the Welland and Witham are both rural in nature and face similar challenges from pollution, over abstraction and historical straightening and deepening. The merger will allow us to not only build on, but ramp up, the activities of the merging trusts supporting and inspiring local communities, businesses, and landowners to appreciate and improve their local watercourses.”

ENDS

  1. East Mercia Rivers Trust is an independent charity formed in September 2022 following the merger of Welland Rivers Trust and Lincolnshire Rivers Trust (established 2011 and 2013 respectively).
  2. During the ‘Golden Age of Mercia’ the state included Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland; the five counties where East Mercia Rivers Trust (EMRT) operates within the rivers Welland and Witham catchments only.
  3. EMRT will host the Witham Catchment Partnership and Welland Valley Partnerships across five counties, which encompasses over 120 watercourses and covers an area of 4680 km2.
  4. For further information contact: Rachel Butler, East Mercia Rivers TrustTel: 07988681790 Email: rachel@eastmercia.org   
  5. Social media Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @EastMerciaRT