The Rivers Trust bring together the people, knowledge , data and intelligence to empower communities to take action and be part of the solution; ensuring rivers thrive. Our rivers are an integral part of our communities and The Rivers Trust is leading the movement to protect them. Protecting them from the impacts of pollution from water companies and agriculture as well as the devasting global consequences of climate change.

As a River Trust, the Aire River Trust works to improve our river for people, places and nature. They engage with stakeholders such as the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water to improve our river. Their work focuses on improving fish passage, river clean ups, removing invasive plant species and improving water quality. They deliver environmental education in schools and riverside fun for local people.

Since I joined Bradford Amateur Rowing Club it has been the most friendly and supportive community that I have been a part of. The club is an integral part of our lives, improving our physical and mental health which couldn't exist without the river Aire. However, we join a rowing club to row and race across the country, and the increasing pressure on our rivers from pollution and the more frequent flooding prevents us from rowing on our blue spaces and enjoying them. If our rivers thrive, so can our communities.

The pollution in our rivers has become very poor and as a result, our club no longer do any capsize drills in our rivers. I myself have accidently fallen in the river twice this year, due to silly rowing mistakes, and ended vomiting the day after. It was worst I have felt in a very long time. Further my friend at the club decided he wasn't going to go singling this week because he had a wedding the same week and didn't want to risk getting ill on the off chance he fell in due to his experience singling.

Pollution is not just comprised of sewage, it can also be caused by excess nutrients being added to the river by agriculture and combine this with the hotter summers, you get algae blooms. Not only does this affect the ecosystem of the river, but it can also make it impossible to row on. This cancelled the 2023 Boston rowing marathon (49.2km), an event I was looking forward to doing. These events are vital in supporting the local clubs and communities and businesses where these races are held. Another big cause of race cancellations is due to dangerously high river levels brought upon by excess flooding and rain. This is a consequence of climate change bringing about wetter winters and more storms and results in the number of water sessions becoming fewer each year on average. Especially for those of us who can only get down during the weekends in winter and especially for novice rowers who will not be able to go out in the more challenging conditions and may turn away from rowing.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-66363111