THE Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust hopes to extend the work of its more than 70 volunteers in cleaning and improving the health of watercourses.

The volunteers, who come from all parts of the Dales, work on river catchments of the Wharfe, Ure, Nidd, Swale and Ouse reducing pollution by removing litter from river banks and water quality sampling. The team also helps improve biodiversity and manage flood risks by planting trees and supporting and protecting native species by monitoring and removing invasive non-native species.

Jenny Lee, trusts volunteer and engagement officer said “Our rivers have suffered from acute loss of species and habitat, and toxic pollution – a perilous situation being further compounded by the impact of climate change. All donations to our BigGive campaign running from April 18 to April 25 will enable us to double our volunteer power and plant up to 5,000 trees as well as buying litter-picking equipment and life jackets to support up to 30 volunteers. We also hope the donations will enable us to further increase our monthly group litter picking events and invasive non-native species training.”

To find out more about the work of the trust, or donate visit: www.ydrt.org.uk