What is the Living River project?

The Living River project aims to increase awareness and appreciation of the River Avon and its tributaries. It focuses on how the special wildlife of the river has developed alongside the history of the area. Working with local communities from the rivers' headwaters in the Wiltshire Downs to the sea at Christchurch, the project will involve people who live and work in the River Avon catchment in the conservation of its natural heritage.

The project will run for four years from 2006-2010 and will deliver the following programmes:

  • Biodiversity restoration - at sites the public can access and enjoy
  • Access and Interpretation - enhancing access to and information about the river with the local communities that live there
  • Education and training - providing education events and resources and offering training opportunities to help people understand their relationship with the river system and take responsibility for it

The Living River project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Natural England, Salisbury District Council, Salisbury International Arts Festival, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Hampshire County Council, Wessex Water and Environment Agency.

Salisbury

The River Avon and The Maltings Great access to the river

Working with Salisbury District Council we'll be improving signage and information at riverside locations within the city centre and improving walking paths in the Avon Valley Local Nature Reserve.

Langford Lakes

Langford Lakes Great access to the river

Working with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust we will be improving information about the river, installing a web cam on the river, holding event days and activities and improving opportunities for getting close to the river.

Blashford Lakes

Blashford Lakes Great access to the river

Working with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, we will be improving information about the river and providing access to new parts of the Lakes.

Amesbury, Christchurch, Downton, Fordingbridge, Hengistbury Head, Pewsey, Ringwood, Tisbury and Wilton

Christchurch Good access to the river

These towns enjoy a close association with the River Avon which we want to highlight. Working closely with local communities, town and parish councils, we will be improving information about the river in the town centre and providing details of where you can easily access the river. We will also be improving access riverside signage and access.

Laverstock, Porton, Durrington, Stapleford, Teffont, Coombe Bissett, Smallbrook Meadows

Smallbrook Meadows Local access to the river

Working with the local communities at these sites on the river, we want to improve the local experience at the river's edge by improving seating, paths or information.