The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has awarded £28m in funding to clean up the rivers in England, the UK.
The communities and charities will use Defra funding to tackle local eyesores and encourage iconic wildlife to thrive by reducing pollution and removing redundant dams, weirs and other man-made structures to create habitats which work for wildlife.
The Environment Agency requires community groups and charities to apply for a share of the Catchment Restoration Fund and will be responsible for running the project over the next three years, ensuring that money is given to local groups who can make a real difference.
Environment Minister Richard Benyon insists rivers and lakes are a vital, and much-loved, part of the English countryside.
"With only a quarter of our lakes and rivers currently providing a home to a wide range of birds, fish and mammals, there is still much more we can all do. The £28m Fund will help communities and charities interested in doing just that," he said.
The proposed £28m funding is part of a £92m Defra commitment to clearing up England's rivers and lakes.
The Environment Agency chairman Lord Chris Smith said the funding will be used to create a better water environment.
"Cleaner water, flowing in a more natural landscape will be good for business, people and wildlife, and help society adapt to the effects of climate change," he said.
"We encourage businesses, local authorities and community groups to join together with charitable organisations to apply for funding and come up with big ideas for their local waterway."
Image: Local communities and charities will use Defra funding to clean up England's rivers. Photo: Green Lane.
