REConnect

What is REConnect?

REConnect is an exciting 5-year project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, bringing the River Esk and its coastal streams back to life.

Led by the North York Moors National Park Authority, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Groundwork, and the Yorkshire Marine Nature Partnership, we’re working to reconnect people with the beauty of the Esk and create a deeper bond with nature.

Our project area covers more than a third of the North York Moors National Park – from moorland and woodland to river, estuary and farmland. It’s home to kingfishers, water voles, North Yorkshire’s only Atlantic salmon population, and Yorkshire’s last remaining Freshwater Pearl Mussels.

Why is This Needed?

Centuries of human activity have shaped the River Esk through mining, agriculture and development. While bringing prosperity, this has also created pollution, habitat loss and altered water flows that make it harder for wildlife to thrive.

Restoring our river will:

• Revive species habitats and support biodiversity
• Improve wellbeing through recreation and connection with nature
• Help tackle climate change and reduce flood risk
• Build stronger, more connected communities

By ‘renaturalising’ the river – restoring meanders, woodlands, peatlands and natural features – we create beautiful, healthy spaces that benefit both wildlife and people.

Better Together

REConnect is about building bridges between people and nature, communities, and existing local initiatives. We’re strengthening what’s already happening while sparking new collaborations.

We’re working with:

• Local groups and landowners
• Schools and volunteers
• Businesses and visitors
• Community organisations

The project aims to create nine green jobs and training opportunities for local people to learn new skills and help improve the River Esk corridor. We will also be delivering a wide range of events, working with communities, schools and the public on activities that tackle climate change and inspire positive action.

Alongside those living and working in the project area, new opportunities will be provided for tourists and visitors to ‘give back’ during their stay, such as taking part in easy-to-do volunteering activities such as litter picking or wildlife monitoring.

It is hoped that the collaborative and community-led approach of REConnect will inspire other projects around the country, showcasing best practices and helping pave the way for further nature-recovery initiatives. Whether it’s helping a village restore a beck, supporting a school nature club, or linking artists with conservationists, REConnect is here to bring people together and make collaboration easy, rewarding and lasting.

So, How Can I Get Involved?

There are many ways to help bring the Esk back to life:

Get hands-on:

• Volunteer for habitat restoration or river clean-ups
• Join wildlife surveys and monitoring
• Attend guided walks and community events

Make a difference at home:

• Reduce plastic use and plant wildlife-friendly gardens
• Buy locally grown and produced food
• Use water wisely to protect the river
• Share your Esk stories and photos to inspire others

Stay connected:

• Learn about the river’s history and wildlife
• Follow our progress and upcoming events
• Join groups helping to combat climate change

No matter your age, background or experience – this landscape is yours to explore and care for.

Find Out More

Read more on the NYMNP website:

See all our current news and activities on our new Facebook page:

Check out our free events:

Email us to get involved: reconnect@northyorkmoors.org.uk