The HLF has approved a grant of £204,000 to allow the Severn Rivers Trust – an environment charity – to apply for a £3m grant for its Springs of Rivers Project. The project aims to conserve more than 200km (124 miles) of the river and build a visitor centre. The River Teme was made famous by poet AE Housman in A Shropshire Lad. Housman, born in Fockbury, Worcestershire, wrote about the river’s beauty in his collection of poems.
However, the HLF said that, despite the river’s status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, species such as salmon and eel were in “serious decline” while wildflower meadows and woodlands were being lost. It said the project would restore the wildlife and improve access to the river. The river extends across four counties – Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Powys – and the trust said the project would cover the entire length of the river, “from source to Worcester”.
Tony Bostock, chief executive of the trust, said: “We’re delighted that 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 we can invest in this project that will revitalize this important river.”
