VOLUNTEERS were out in force across Craven recently working to improve the condition of the River Aire.

Groups from Carleton, Cononley, Silsden and Skipton joined forces as part of the Aire Rivers Trust’s 'Our Clean River' event which saw a dozen river cleans stretching from Skipton to Leeds.

In Craven members of Mitre Angling Club, Cononley wildlife groups, Friends of Silsden Beck and Skipton Step Into Action, were out collecting litter along their stretches of river.

Bradford-based Aire Rivers Trust, which has twice weekly volunteer days, says the events are particularly important as the falling winter levels leave the banks of the river strewn with litter, wet wipes from sewer overflows and fly tipping. Left uncollected there will break down into micro plastics that are eaten by wildlife and damage the river ecosystems, it says.

The trust's Simon Watts said: “It’s great to see so many groups that are proud of their stretch of the river who want to help it continue to become healthier and home to more wildlife. Angling Clubs and wildlife groups are great custodians of the river. Whether it’s to fish or to walk many people have a close connection to our river and find an enjoyable and rewarding place to visit. Events like this area great opportunity to meet new groups working towards a shared goal."

He added: “The Aire Rivers Trust takes volunteers out on Thursdays and Fridays each week to care for the river. Throughout the year they do a huge variety of tasks from litter picks, to tree planting, to caring for riverside spaces for nature. Many of the groups taking part meet regularly throughout the year."

The trust is urging people to take care when disposing of household waste and only use licensed waste contractors to safeguard our rivers.

Mr Watts said: “Many people do not realise how their rubbish may end up in rivers. Some of it is fly tipped by unlicensed “man with a van” waste companies but the large quantities of wet wipes found will have made their way out of sewer overflows. The blockages they cause increase the number of spills into our river and lead to greater harm to wildlife. Always bin wet wipes. Even if manufacturers claim they can be flushed down toilets.”

The trust works to improve the River Aire and its catchment by connecting people, places and nature.

Find out more about the work of the trust, and volunteering at: www.aireriverstrust.org.uk.