Restorying riverscapes: citizen science for an inclusive history of the Churnet

In Spring and Summer 2022, Restorying Riverscapes brought together scientists, artists, and local communities to investigate the environmental and social impacts of the textile industry on the River Churnet in Leek, Staffordshire. Through citizen science, archival research, and sediment sampling, the project uncovered the lasting legacy of microfibre pollution and industrial heritage—highlighting both the resilience of the river and the communities shaped by it.

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