GRANTHAM RIVERCARE

The group in Grantham first got together in October 2004. They have made great strides since then and there are now 35 members 'on the books'.

In practical terms, they have quickly made a difference to the local environment, holding several litter clean ups and recovering such things as a double bed and mattress, bicycles, tyres, supermarket trollies and office furniture. They have also cleaned and painted a key bridge in the town, an activity which was really useful in getting noticed and getting new people on board - as well as making a great difference to the bridge!!

The Witham at Grantham has particular biodiversity value. As well as kingfishers now frequently spotted darting above the channel in the centre of town, the area is also one of the increasingly few remaining habitats for the threatened native crayfish.

Click here to see an Environment Agency summary of the Native Crayfish and their plight.

A second threatened species is also known to be present in the area - the water vole. Surveys have shown positive indications of their presence and during their winter activities, the Rivercare group noted possible water vole burrows noted but water levels were very high at that time. The UK Species Action Plans for these two species can be viewed by clicking below;

Water vole

Freshwater White-clawed Crayfish