Connecting with the River

A few miles from where I live in West Yorkshire, the River Holme connects people, places, history and nature from its source in the moors above Holmfirth to its confluence with the Calder in Huddersfield. Recently I joined thirteen others exploring a short stretch, looking for inspiration.

Since 2015 River Holme Connections has been working to restore and improve the river, and to promote its enjoyment and protection by the communities along its 14 kilometres. Recently, they invited me to lead a nature writing walk.

I chose a short stretch above Holmfirth, just upstream of the derelict Bottoms Mill. It may seem like an unlikely place for writers to be inspired by nature, but on the contrary: the contrast between the decaying remnants of industry and the birds, trees and flowers that live in its recesses invited a diverse range of creative responses.

For the full story, including contributions from some of the participants, head over to River Holme Connections’ blog. Also read writer and walk participant Juliet Thomas’s own thought-provoking blog.