by Ben Gillespie, River Resilience Manager at Yorkshire Water
5th April 2025
In the rolling hills and scenic valleys of Yorkshire, rivers are more than just picturesque landscapes; they are lifelines for countless species and vital corridors for biodiversity. Yet, over the centuries, human intervention has stifled their vitality. We have straightened, dammed and fragmented these waterways in ways that not only impede their natural flow but also block fish migration – a process that is essential for the health of river ecosystems. It’s time for a bold rewilding vision for Yorkshire’s rivers.
One of the most pressing barriers to vibrant aquatic life is the physical obstruction caused by weirs, dams and culverts. These structures were originally built for mills and industry, but today they often serve no practical purpose, standing as relics of a bygone era. For species like salmon, sea trout and eel, which rely on the ability to migrate upstream to spawn and complete their life cycles, these barriers are devastating. They’re not just obstacles – they’re roadblocks to survival, and in Yorkshire we’ve mapped more than 2,000 of them!
Removing these barriers and allowing fish to reclaim their natural heritage will help the rewilding process for these rivers. By removing redundant weirs or installing fish passes, we can restore natural flows and reconnect fragmented habitats. This is not just a win for fish; it’s a win for the entire ecosystem, the people and communities that live alongside our rivers. Healthier rivers mean better water quality, increased recreation like fishing, swimming and paddling, and flourishing biodiversity along riverbanks.
We don’t need to look far for inspiration. Successful projects across the UK, such as the removal of weirs on the River Don where salmon have returned to Sheffield for the first time in 150 years, have shown how quickly rivers and their wildlife can recover when barriers are removed. Imagine salmon and trout once again swimming freely through Yorkshire’s waterways – a powerful symbol of renewal and resilience.
A new partnership: Great Yorkshire Rivers
The future of Yorkshire’s rivers is looking brighter thanks to an innovative partnership between the Environment Agency, The Rivers Trust and Yorkshire Water, known as ‘Great Yorkshire Rivers’. This partnership is committed to addressing all artificial barriers that negatively impact fish populations in Yorkshire by 2043. The vision is to restore the natural connectivity of rivers, enabling native fish species to thrive and helping rivers and their surrounding communities flourish.
The Partnership is already working on numerous projects to remove or mitigate barriers that hinder fish migration. By combining resources, expertise and funding, Great Yorkshire Rivers aims to create a model for river restoration that can inspire similar efforts across the UK. This collaboration underscores the importance of collective action in tackling environmental challenges.
The role of baseline data and the River Obstacles app
The success of the Great Yorkshire Rivers Partnership hinges on robust baseline data to identify barriers for removal or improvement. This is where the River Obstacles app plays a crucial role. The app allows users to report and document obstacles they encounter along rivers, providing valuable data on their location, type and impact. This crowdsourced information is then used to guide restoration efforts and ensure resources are directed where they’ll have the greatest environmental benefit.
The Partnership is encouraging everyone who enjoys Yorkshire’s rivers – whether you’re a walker, angler or conservation enthusiast – to download the River Obstacles app and start contributing to this vital work. By using the app, you can help map barriers and support the restoration of free-flowing rivers.
A call to action
Rewilding rivers isn’t just an ecological necessity; it’s a cultural one too. Rivers have shaped Yorkshire’s history and heritage, and they remain a source of joy for communities. By restoring these waterways, we honour their legacy and ensure future generations can enjoy the sounds of rushing water and the sight of fish leaping through rapids.
Let’s break down the barriers – literal and metaphorical – that have held Yorkshire’s rivers back for far too long. Together, with the support of partnerships like Great Yorkshire Rivers and tools like the River Obstacles app, we can rewild not just rivers, but the spirit of this incredible region.
Useful links:
- Find out more about Great Yorkshire Rivers here: https://catchmentbasedapproach.org/learn/great-yorkshire-rivers-gyr/
- Download the River Obstacles app and check out our progress on a national level here: https://river-obstacles-theriverstrust.hub.arcgis.com/