The uplands feeding the source of the River Calder are in a seriously degraded state. A history of mining, inappropriate drainage, acid rain, 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, this problem will only get worse.

By taking a RIVER BASIN approach, such problems can be understood within their wider context. A recently published booklet ‘UNDERSTANDING THE HEBDEN WATER CATCHMENT’ explains how a river basin approach offers the best way of appreciating how all of the various management issues are interwoven. Please download a copy of the booklet by clicking the image on the left.

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TREESPONSIBILITY are a key delivery partner in The SOURCE partnership, which 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:-

• 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.

PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO THE LEFT FOR REPORTS FROM 2012 AND 2013 SOURCE ACTIVITIES!

?? !! CAN YOU HELP !! ??

If you own land in the area between Cornholme and Walsden, please get in touch. We are particularly interested in steep or eroding hillsides, derelict land, or moorlands in poor condition, so that we can assess them for restoration work. 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.

Our projects are already well underway (please see the Annual SOURCE Reports from 2012 and 2013, by clicking the images on the left of the screen). We have been installing pilot erosion control works and are beginning to undertake detailed survey work across the Calder catchment. 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. There are many ways in which local people can help our project forward, and get involved…