Rivers’ revival
THE transformation of Britain’s waterways over the past 30 years has been little short of remarkable. Where once the nation’s rivers were home to a toxic mixture of chemicals, sewage and sundry industrial refuse, they now teem with life in all its abundance.
But, despite the return to much of the country of animals and fish thought to have gone for good, it is gratifying that the Government is not resting on this achievement’s laurels. On the contrary, more than £100m is to be spent on further reducing pollution and restoring Britain’s rivers to their natural state.
Rivers and canals may never again have the pivotal role they held during the Industrial Revolution, but with this type of care and investment, they can once again play an active part in the life and economy of the nation, with life being the operative word.