Grantham river volunteers honoured with top national award
Group praised for two decades of work protecting the River Witham
A volunteer team that has spent more than 20 years caring for the River Witham has been recognised with one of the country’s highest honours for community groups.
Grantham RiverCare has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the only Lincolnshire organisation to be named this year.
Co-lead David Martin said the recognition reflects the dedication of countless volunteers over the decades. “When we heard that we’d been awarded it… quite amazing, really. It very much expresses the last 21 years that the group’s been working.”
The group began with founder John Knowles and a wheelbarrow, but now forms part of a wider Keep Britain Tidy programme, with volunteers clearing litter, monitoring water quality and tackling invasive plants.
Recent flooding revealed how far back the waste problem stretches. Martin said they even uncovered “vintage litter”, including a glass bottle dated to around 160 years old.
He added that their efforts are helping wildlife return: “We have otters and fish in the area… 21 years ago people wouldn’t have believed it.”
The award will be formally presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire on behalf of the King.