The uplands close to the source of the River Calder are in a seriously degraded state. A history of mining, inappropriate drainage, over-grazing, dumping and quarrying have all taken their toll. In heavy rainfall, soils wash down into the river channels and gullies deepen and erode. As climate change intensifies, the problem will only get worse.
The SOURCE partnership aims to take preventative action, to help create a healthy, resilient and biodiverse landscape, for the benefit of all the people in our valley both now, and in future years.
In particular, we aim to do the following:-
Minimise flash flooding through appropriately sited tree-planting schemes.
Treat damaged land and control erosion.
Monitor invertebrates in the river and carry out habitat improvements.
Undertake educational activities and encourage volunteering so people of all ages and from all walks of life become aware of the value of our rivers and uplands.
Could you help?
If you own land in the area stretching between Cornholme and Walsden, please get in touch. We are particularly interested in steep or eroding hillsides, derelict land, or moorlands in poor condition. There will be no cost to you.
We are also looking for volunteers to help with the survey work. If you have expertise in this area, so much the better, but full training will be given.
We want schools to get involved too
We intend to develop educational school trips to the watershed area, so that the children can gain awareness of the importance of our upland catchment. The children will be actively involved in the project, by helping us to monitor progress.
Making it happen...
Our first steps, already under way, are to gain the necessary permissions from landowners, and to undertake detailed survey work. This groundwork, coupled with advice from friendly experts and site surveys by the Upper Calder Valley Wildlife group, will enable us to draw up costed action plans for a portfolio of sites, for inclusion in the next White Rose Forest Green Infrastructure programme. We are also actively fundraising to ensure that delivery of the plans can take place in Autumn 2012. There are many ways in which local people can help our project forward, and get involved...
Contact
us by
email - CLICK HERE
or
give us a ring on 07847 815926 or 01422 649811