The rivers in Horncastle are set for restoration! Tranquil English chalk streams, wonderfully wild and pure in nature, is a scene soon to be found in the town. They have moulded the Lincolnshire Wolds for over 10,000 years. Crucially they provide wildlife corridors linking the Wolds and the Fens. Chalk streams are ours to enjoy, and ours alone to protect. However, 77% of chalk streams are failing, including the Bain, and Waring.
East Mercia Rivers Trust (EMRT) has received £199,760 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Additional funding from the Environment Agency, and in-kind support, takes the project to over £220,000. The Horncastle Riverscape Enhancement Project is now underway!
Over the next two years, the riverscape in Horncastle will transform. Enhancements will increase biodiversity, benefiting wildlife. Volunteering initiatives will upskill the local community, creating a community approach. Interactive interpretation will improve access to heritage and history. Delivered with members of Horncastle Together, the project will take a partnership approach, and be influenced by people of Horncastle. Improving the amenity value of these rivers for local people, businesses, and visitors.
The local Town Council provide their support for the project “Horncastle Town Council is delighted that EMRT has been awarded the funding to deliver the Horncastle Riverscape Enhancement Project and make a real difference to the biodiversity and accessibility of the rivers in our town. HTC looks forward to working with EMRT and members of our community on such an interesting and exciting project for Horncastle.”
Project lead, Paige Donnelly, the Resilient Rivers Partnerships Manger for EMRT, is keen to reach out to people, “The future of our chalk streams relies on reconnecting people to natural heritage. We encourage local groups, businesses, schools, landowners, and individuals who live in, work in, or visit Horncastle to get involved, and join us at our project launch event on 7th September at Banovallum House, 5pm-7pm to learn more”. Spaces are limited, to register, simply search Horncastle Riverscape Enhancement Project Launch Event into www.eventbrite.co.uk or follow this link.
For further information contact: Paige Donnelly, East Mercia Rivers Trust Tel: 07599 075706 Email: paige@eastmercia.org