Welcome to The Welland Rivers Trust

The River Welland rises above Market Harborough and flows through the gently rolling countryside of Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland, before reaching Stamford  where it is one of the features that makes the town so attractive. Below Stamford, the river continues on its way to Market Deeping and Spalding where its character changes, slowing down as it becomes one of the four fenland rivers which drain the Fens, before entering The Wash.
 

People have relied on the Welland for thousands of years for water, food, drainage, transport and energy and as a result, the River and its valley have changed enormously. For example, the River used to flow through the Trinity Bridge in Crowland, which is now almost a mile away and the bridge is now a dry monument in the centre of the town.
 
While many of these changes have been positive, such as the creation of the water meadows which were such an important feature of the Welland Valley, others have been destructive. Although we have seen vast improvements in water quality, we are left with the legacy of some of these changes, particularly those associated with the physical nature of the river, how it behaves in draining the land and how much water flows in it. There are also other newer pressures affecting the river, such as sediment from fields.
 
The Welland Valley Partnership has recently been set up to bring a wide range of partners together, including the Welland Rivers Trust, to try to solve some of the problems. The Rivers Trust was set up by volunteers who want to see a better river and to act to achieve it. We are pleased to be part of the Partnership and to take a central role. A lot of work is already being done to try to improve water quality and wildlife habitats in and around the River. Now we want more people and organisations to get involved in identifying what else needs to be done and helping to make a difference.

The Welland Improvement Plan
 
A recently published draft document, "The Welland Improvement Plan", sets out what some of the issues are, what is already happening, what more could be done and who can help. This plan is just the start of a process to involve individuals, communities, organisations, companies and farmers in working together to improve the River. We want you to join the partnership and to help in any way to make the River even more beautiful, a wonderful resource for wildlife and a valued amenity. We want to hear your views, suggestions and offers of help to make the Welland Valley a better place.

Download a copy of the Welland Improvement Plan (6.4MB)

Download a copy of the Welland Valley project map (10.4MB)
 
To offer your views and ideas, or for more information, please contact:

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Inital comments, ideas and suggestions are requested by mid-July, although the consultative process will continue beyond that date.