ABOUT US
The Aire Rivers Trust has a unique role as a voluntary body set up to help improve the quality of the River Aire and its catchment, in order that all river and catchment users can enjoy a better experience of the river.
The Aire Rivers Trust has established 5 strategic goals which are that:
- We want a cleaner river
- We aim to improve public appreciation for the river and its environment
- We want to improve access
- We want improved space for nature and more wildlife
- We want to reduce flooding
We oversee the continuing regeneration of the river and its’ tributaries after our industrial past. The river has improved dramatically over the last 40 years and we aim to continue the journey back to a pristine watercourse of which residents and visitors can be proud.
We were set up in 2011 and carry out projects to improve the condition of the river for its wildlife and for people to enjoy.
We are involved in saving some of the country’s most endangered species and preventing pollution by working with local people, farmers and landowners close to the river.
Much of our work involves education and explaining to people about the importance of the River Aire.
We rely entirely on grants, fund raising activities and donations to carry out our work.
Governance
As a charity, The Aire Rivers Trust is governed by a Board of influential and hard-working volunteer Trustees. The Trustees guide the direction of the Trust and work behind the scenes in issues such as strategy, governance and finance. Trustees also act as Directors of the company.
Organisation
As registered at The Charities Commission, our Objects are:
1. To conserve, protect, rehabilitate and improve the rivers, streams, watercourses and water impoundments of the catchments comprising the River Aire and all tributaries and connected waterways (but excluding the Leeds and Liverpool Canal) and to facilitate and encourage appropriate access for all to the River Aire and its tributaries and connected waterways.
2. To advance the education of the public, or any association, company, local authority, administrative or governmental agency or public body or representative body in:
a. the understanding of rivers, river corridors and catchments, including their fauna, flora and economic or social activity.
b. the need for, and benefits of, conservation, protection, rehabilitation and improvement of water environments.
