During February Half Term , Fair Trader Holmfirth is proud to join once again with River Holme Connections for the popular Family Nature Trail. Participants are encouraged to wrap up warm and go outdoors. Starting at Sands, follow the trail and find clues hidden within pictures of the wildlife you find on our doorstep
We are immensely lucky in the Holme Valley to be surrounded by many natural habitats for wildlife. River Holme Connections is our local charity, and their work is vital in protecting these special places.
River Holme Connections is a local environmental charity with an aim to improve the River Holme catchment for the benefit of people and wildlife. With the help of dedicated volunteers, River Holme Connections carry out a range of practical conservation tasks such as river clean-ups, invasive plant control (Himalayan balsam bashing), wildflower meadow enhancement and management, tree planting and more! So far this Winter (Winter 2023/January 2024), they have planted over 20,000 trees!
The charity began in 2015 when a group of like minded individuals got together with the common aim of cleaning up the river, and protecting its wildlife and habitats. Like many rivers around the country, the Holme has been vital to the surrounding communities for many years. Unfortunately, unintentional neglect had resulted in the river becoming polluted with litter and invasive species, and in places riverbank erosion was significant. Development along the river also restricted access for both people and wildlife.
River Holme Connections is run almost entirely by volunteers, and they have been successful in a wide range of projects along the river. Anyone can get involved, and there is a link to their current projects here https://www.riverholmeconnections.org/projects/ You can also follow their website to find opportunities to join in with their projects. Some of these, such as Nature’s Holme, are funded by DEFRA, in partnership with landowners across the region. There is increasing recognition across the country that biodiversity is crucial to the future wellbeing of both people and our indigenous wildlife.
We look forward to seeing you on the Family Nature Trail in half term!