A NEW project to protect and enhance the River Biss and its tributaries in Trowbridge is being launched by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

The Devizes-based charity is launching A Better Biss Approach, which is being part-funded by the Wessex Water Foundation and is working with partners across the catchment.

The five-year project will focus on restoring the Biss and its tributaries to enhance its wildlife habitat, whilst also connecting communities and businesses with the river.

Alice Baker, the Trust's water team manager, said: ‘We are really looking forward to working with landowners, stakeholders and communities to improve the river and wetland habitats across the Biss catchment. "We are very grateful to Wessex Water for the support and look forward to working closely with them for the next five years."

Dave Jones, senior regulatory scientist at Wessex Water, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on this project over the next five years. "Working in collaboration will give us a greater understanding of the Biss and help ensure it is a thriving river environment, both for nature and local communities, for many years to come.”

The project aims to:

• restore and enhance the catchment, by connecting and creating areas for wildlife in urban and rural settings;

• improve the water quality of the catchment and address reasons for poor condition;

• promote the importance of the river corridor in Trowbridge and Westbury for wildlife, access to nature, health and well-being, and its heritage;

• promote the river in high level strategic planning and development across the catchment.

The Wessex Water Foundation is a dedicated funding scheme for community projects across the Wessex Water region, run in partnership with the Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset and Quartet Community Foundations.

Launched earlier this year, the Foundation helps to encourage communities to look at ways they can protect and engage with their local environment.

For more information, project updates and how to get involved visit www.wiltshirewildlife.org/abba