Current Projects


Wild Trout Trust

We are proud to be part of the “Trout in the Town” initiative lead by the Wild Trout Trust. In February 2021 we obtained Bronze level accreditation!           To find out… continue reading

Water @ Holme

In 2019, a catchment wide river walkover survey was completed and areas where pollution was identified as a problem were highlighted.  The River Holme catchment suffers from pollution from a number of sources such as… continue reading

Woodland and Hedgerow Champions

Our partners include Site: Mr Weir, Upper Hey, Meltham Site details: 1.6 hectares of new native woodland created in early 2021.  Over 1,400 native broadleaved trees planted including alder, downy birch, sessile oak, hawthorn, hazel,… continue reading

Only rain down the drain

The River Holme catchment suffers from pollution from a number of sources such as pollution from fats, oils, greases, detergents (from car washing) and DIY materials (such as paints). These polluting materials are often disposed… continue reading

Riverside Way Revamp Project

Reverse 20 years of neglect by improving the footpath surface and drainage, way marking throughout the route, vegetation management and a new section of boardwalk.

Nature’s Holme

We’re working with cross-sector partners including South Pennines Park, Palladium, University of Huddersfield, landowners & farmers.  The pilot, one of 22 across the country to receive government funding through the Landscape Recovery scheme, and backed… continue reading

INNS Out

Non-native invasive species (INNS) – both plants and animals – can upset fragile ecosystems. Invasive plants, such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, rhododendron, giant hogweed and American skunk cabbage can erode riverbanks and overshadow native… continue reading

INNS Out: Japanese knotweed control

Japanese knotweed is a non-native, invasive species with strong roots and shoots that can damage buildings and reduce property prices. It can only be treated by licensed operatives. Landowners have a legal responsibility to control… continue reading

River Stewardship Scheme

If your home or business property is on the river, you can benefit from our River Stewardship Scheme. Our team can work with you to create and maintain a healthy riverside area. We can tidy… continue reading

Success Stories


Holme Improvements

One of our main aims, here at River Holme Connections, is to improve the health of the River Holme and its tributaries. The Environment Agency has classified the River Holme as having ‘Moderate Ecological Status’…. continue reading

River Runs Deep

The project will work with three groups in Huddersfield to explore their feelings and responses to Spa Wood footpath and the River Holme, thinking about water, environment and human interaction in nature.  The groups will… continue reading

Routes Projects

The River Holme catchment offers river access opportunities via moors, farmland and town.  The following three Routes projects have identified and delivered a wide range of work to improve way marking, access infrastructure and biodiversity…. continue reading

River Revamp

Community consultations in 2018 and 2019 surveyed 374 people.  The results showed that people wanted more wildlife, a more attractive river (no litter and more wildflowers) and better access to it. Post COVID we have… continue reading

Blockage free challenge

Yorkshire Water is called out to more than 30,000 sewer blockages every year, costing £2.4 million. A shocking 40% of these blockages are caused by wipes. Throughout Yorkshire in 2018 there was an average monthly… continue reading

Mission to plant almost 5,000 trees

Trees are vital for a healthy river system. Native trees and hedges provide food and shelter for native wildlife, helping them to thrive. They absorb water and are an important factor in creating resilience in… continue reading

River Mapping – making a difference

Everything we do as a charity, from renovating the Duck Feeding area to planting trees and fishing litter out of rivers, has one overall aim: to make the River Holme catchment a better place for… continue reading

Flagship Sites

To create a healthy river environment and improve the River Holme and its catchment for people, businesses and wildlife, we identified several ‘Flagship’ sites. Working together with the landowners, we removed invasive species and replanting… continue reading

Our Holme, Spa Wood

Spa Wood is a wildlife-rich riverside woodland and walkway leading from Lockwood Scar to King’s Bridge on the outskirts of Huddersfield town centre, which is underused by local families. Research has also shown that young… continue reading

Spa Wood

Spa Wood is a wildlife-rich riverside woodland and walkway leading from Lockwood Scar to King’s Bridge on the outskirts of Huddersfield town centre. The path passes the confluence of the Colne and Holme and continues… continue reading

Bottoms Mill

Originally built in the 1820s, Bottoms Mill is one of Holme Valley’s oldest mills. The iconic, 150ft red chimney was added in 1911 and acts as a landmark to this day. The mill relied on… continue reading

Sands Recreation Ground

Sands Recreation Area is Holmfirth’s most significant area of flat, publicly accessible open greenspace. Sands is close to Holmfirth swimming pool and features a skatepark, football field, multi-purpose hard courts and children’s playground. Thousands of… continue reading

Duck Feeding Area, Crown Bottom, Holmfirth

Fondly known as the Duck Feeding Area, this is one of the few places you can get close to the river in Holmfirth town centre. Over the decades, the area has weathered numerous storms but… continue reading