Shropshire river scheme is handed £204,000 boost
A multi-million pound plan to restore sections of the River Teme has moved a step closer after key funding was secured.
The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a £204,000 development grant to the Severn Rivers Trust, which will be used to develop plans and apply for a full £3 million grant for its Springs of River Project.
The project will aim to reconnect and improve more than 200km of river and restoring wildlife along the river, part of which runs through south Shropshire. A new visitor centre will be built to form a hub for communities and an educational programme will be put in place to work with schools.
Tony Bostock, chief executive of the Severn Rivers Trust, said: "We're delighted that the HLF has given us this support in recognition of the Teme being a truly unique and special place."
Reyahn King, head of HLF West Midlands, said: "The River Teme and its catchment once had thriving wildlife and natural heritage.
"Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we can invest in this transformational project that will revitalise this important river."
The River Teme is designated as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and the wider catchment covers two areas of outstanding natural beauty and a special area of conservation. AE Housman immortalised the beauty of the River Teme in his collection of poems A Shropshire Lad, but since that was published in 1896 the river has changed dramatically.
Salmon and eel species are in serious decline, despite the river's high conservation status, and the woodland that once characterised the river valley is being lost.
On several occasions eels have had to be rescued from dried-out sections of the river.
