About Us
Charity objects and mission
River Holme Connections’s charity objects are:
- To promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the River Holme corridor and surrounding area.
- To advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the River Holme corridor and surrounding area.
Vision and mission
Transforming the River Holme catchment for the benefit of people and wildlife.
The source of our charity
The River Holme starts life on the moorland above Holmfirth. As it flows north, it’s joined by many tributaries, including New Mill Dike, River Ribble and Meltham Dike. Finally the River Holme empties into the larger River Colne at Aspley, near Huddersfield town centre, in West Yorkshire.
The River Holme and tributaries have been the lifeblood of communities for centuries. Unfortunately, years of unintentional neglect led to invasive species taking hold, litter pollution and riverbank erosion. Meanwhile buildings and infrastructure reduced access to the river.
Making a difference
In 2015, a group of like-minded people came together who shared an interest in the rivers, nature and communities. Through enthusiasm and dedication, the charity that is now known as River Holme Connections was born.
How our charity works
Our charity has a Board of Trustees and a small team who take care of the day-to-day activities. We’re also helped by an army of volunteers who are truly amazing, offering a wealth of skills and knowledge to help our charity function and grow.
Our trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for leading and running our charity in a business-focussed and socially responsible way. Our Trustees have a range of complementary skills and experience that benefit our charity. Above all, they’re all passionate about improving the River Holme catchment.
Our team
The daily running of our charity is down to our small team.
River Interventions Manager, Simon Hirst is in charge of the practical work and knows pretty much all there is to know about creating and maintaining healthy river environments. Office Manager, Susan Mitzi works part-time and keeps everything running smoothly. River Ranger, Ffion Robb, looks after the river catchment area and our enthusiastic volunteers. Kayleigh Szostak is our Assistant River Ranger and is involved in all aspects of the charity’s work, Michelle King, Engagement Officer raising awareness of the Nature’s Holme project, and Luke A’Bear, Project Manager, Nature’s Holme.
Our supporting cast
Our charity simply could not function without the help and support of our dedicated volunteers and the many companies and organisations who support our work by giving their time and/or funding.
To all of our dedicated and valued volunteers we say a heartfelt THANK YOU!
Find out how you can get involved.
Just some of our volunteers in action.
