Community project on the lookout for a local champion to lead on efforts to improve the River Soar
The Restoring the Soar project is looking to recruit a local champion to play a leading role in giving people in Leicester a say in how the River Soar can be improved for people and wildlife.
The project, which is a partnership Leicester City Council and Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust, is looking to recruit an Engagement Coordinator in the city.
The initiative
The initiative, which has recently received funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, aims to enhance the river corridor between West Bridge, near the centre of Leicester, and Watermead Park.
Development funding of almost £579,000 has been awarded by the Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, to help the partnership shape their plans. The Engagement Coordinator will play a crucial role in working with those that use the navigable river and local communities to gather their thoughts and ensure that the future plans reflect their views.
The role will involve engaging with boaters and other river users, community groups and businesses, giving local people the opportunity to have their say on issues such as improving water quality and wildlife habitats, preserving and celebrating the history of the river and making the most of the river through better facilities.
All of these ideas, and more, will be fed into a project plan which will form the basis of a £3million funding bid to the Heritage Fund, anticipated to be in 2026.
An exciting opportunity
Diana Vogtel, our community development manager, said: “This project is a really exciting opportunity to make a lasting difference to the navigable River Soar and it’s important that river users, local people, community groups and businesses all have an opportunity to shape the plans.
“We’re looking for someone with good local knowledge and the ability to work with different groups to really bring it to life and capture the views of local people. By involving as many people as possible we hope to make the River Soar as good as it possibly can be for people and the wide variety of wildlife that call it home.”
More details of the job, including how to apply, can be found at Engagement Coordinator in Leicester | Careers at The Old Mill.