THE Aire Rivers Trust is asking you to nominate a “grot spot” which could do with a bit of TLC this spring.

As the charity’s volunteers return to the riverbank, the Trust is asking people to nominate stretches of river and becks that could do with a clean-up.

The Aire Rivers Trust works with volunteers to make their local river a better place for people and wildlife.

They began riverbank clean-ups in the Craven area with small group of enthusiastic volunteers who litter picked the riverbank where Eller Beck joins the River Aire as it leaves Skipton.

In two days volunteers removed over 70 bags of debris, rags and plastic along with numerous tyres and traffic cones.

Over the past three years the Trust has run clean ups throughout Bradford and up towards the rivers source in Craven. Volunteers have removed tonnes of rubbish including anything from washing machines to wet wipes.

Simon Watts, DNAire community engagement manager with the Aire Rivers Trust, said: “We’re only a small charity and it always helps to have more eyes along the river. We would like people to share their suggestions of stretches of the River Aire that they think could benefit from a litter pick.

“Our Developing the Natural Aire is enabling Atlantic salmon to once again reach spawning opportunities around Skipton and we want to make sure the river is ready for their arrival.”

For volunteer Peter Armitage helping with river clean ups was inspired by meeting a group working to improve his local stretch of river.

He said: “It gets me out into the fresh air and meeting people I wouldn’t normally meet.

“As someone who is retired, I am able to come most weeks. It’s a good day’s exercise and a fantastic opportunity to chat.”

Residents who are concerned about fly tipping should report it to their local council.

Litter found along streams and rivers has the potential to harm wildlife, create floods and make it an unsightly place to visit.

You can suggest litter picks to the Aire Rivers Trust on the website at www.aireriverstrust.org.uk

The Aire Rivers Trust’s volunteer days take place every Thursday and Friday, working along the River Aire from Baildon to its source near Airton and along the length of the River Worth.

The group will return to Craven in the second week in May. New volunteers are always welcome.

Please visit the website for more information and to sign up.

The River Aire Trust’s work along the river is made possible thanks to funding from the Environment Agency, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Yorkshire Water and Craven Council.

DNAire - Developing the Natural Aire - is a £2.35m joint project by The Aire Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency using funding made available from the the above agencies and organisations.

It has enabled the construction of fish passes on weirs at Armley Mills, Kirkstall Abbey, Newlay Bridge (in Leeds) and Saltaire together with an extensive programme of community engagements including volunteers, young people, and the general public.

This will enable Atlantic salmon to reach the headwaters around Craven for the first time in over 150 years. Providing new spawning opportunities and safeguarding the future for this species.

Over the three years of the project the Aire Rivers Trust will:

• Introduce more than 1,000 children to their local river and the STEM careers that help protect and enhance it.

• Run over 150 volunteer days cleaning and improving the river for people and wildlife.

• Train volunteers from organisations along the river in wildlife identification and conservation skills.

• Launch 10 self-guided walks along the river.

• Provide training placements for university students alongside an environmental conservation apprenticeship.

To find out more visit: https://dnaire.org.uk/

The Aire Rivers Trust runs weekly clean ups and riverside improvement volunteer days in Bradford and Craven every Thursday and Friday.

The charity is always keen to promote its work and the efforts of its army of volunteers so if you see a ‘grot spot’ get in touch with them.