In November 2016, the Central Rivers Initiative partnership successfully secured a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop an ambitious scheme focusing on the River Trent and its tributaries the Tame and the Dove. Over 18 months the partnership undertook a large number of studies and consultations aimed at better understanding the need and the opportunities within this location.

The scheme is undertaking a wide range of environmental, cultural and community-led projects within the Trent, Tame and Dove river valleys covering some 200 square kilometres from Uttoxeter to Tamworth and including the river valleys within or near to the main towns of Burton, Rugeley, Lichfield and Derby. Projects will include river restoration, improved access to explore hard-to-reach areas, and creating ways to reconnect communities with their natural heritage.

The final application made in August 2018 was given the green light in December 2018. Work began on the scheme in April 2019.

The River Trent in Staffordshire and Derbyshire has been a site of human settlement and industry for thousands of years. The third longest river in the UK has long been important for defence, navigation and natural resources.

Romans once marched through the valley and evidence can be seen in the roads which still network the landscape today. The village of Repton, in Derbyshire, was the Saxon Royal capital of the ancient country of Mercia, and Vikings brought terror to the Anglo-Saxons when they invaded in 873AD, leaving their mark in the place names of towns and villages. Burton was once a religious site for pilgrimage and healing, and since became famous for beer brewing, thanks to the unique waters that flow through the rich mineral deposits under our feet.

Today, although still largely rural, the landscape is scattered with old mills and factories. It is pock-marked by quarries, and fragmented by new development. It is a landscape that has continually changed and evolved through time and it is continuing to change today.

We recognise that over the next 25 years the landscape will increasingly come under pressure. New developments are planned across the Midlands, High Speed Rail is set to scythe the landscape, and increased pressure for building materials means that new quarries must be opened.

There is a need to both recognise and value the cultural and natural heritage of the Trent Valley and to consult on the physical changes that will come from development, industry and climate change. The next five years are important to this landscape, and there are huge opportunities to influence and implement change.

We have developed a scheme that draws on the opportunity to create positive change for wildlife, heritage and communities. By working together and by liaising with the people affected, we are delivering a range of projects that enhance the environment, support communities, and improve access.

We help those working to protect our cultural and natural heritage. We encourage participation and volunteering, offer educational and training opportunities for young people, and provide the chance for individuals to make a difference. We are improving access to the countryside and encouraging people to think about how they move around the landscape. Our work on the ground benefits the river and habitats by protecting, preserving and enhancing our most valuable landscape features.

This lottery funding has given us the keys to help create a more robust and attractive landscape for local people and visiting tourists to enjoy, as well as restoring characteristic river valley features such as meandering river channels, water meadows and waterside trees.

Local communities benefit as the scheme involves improving accessibility to the area on foot, cycle and paddle-craft with new opportunities for exploring local history, wildlife, as well as for recreation and sport.

This is very exciting news and now means the CRI can deliver its long-term vision for the benefit of all.

The success of our bid is also testament to the huge effort made by everyone involved. I am extremely proud to have the privilege of being the chairman of this partnership.