River Esk Connect (REConnect) is a five-year partnership project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, based around the River Esk and its coastal streams, aiming to deepen connections between people and nature and raise awareness of climate change.
New Hires (September 2024 - continued)
To help us carry out the work we hope to achieve, we appointed a new Project Manager, Chloe Wainwright (North York Moors National Park), to oversee the initiative, along with two new Engagement Officers, Emma Walker (North York Moors National Park) and Sally Granger (Groundwork NE&C), to deliver our events and activities. Another Engagement Officer (Yorkshire Marine Nature Partnership) will be hired very soon.
Relationship Building (September 2024 - continued)
Being a part of a project that is five years long gives us a chance to take the time to really get to know the community and area that this project revolves around. Before jumping into it all, we have set out to build meaningful relationships with local residents, organisations, and stakeholders. By listening, learning, and spending time in the places that matter most to people, we’re laying the foundations for a project that is shaped by the community and responsive to its needs.
Community Consultation: Just the Beginning (April 2025 - continued)
Community-Led Approach
No one understands the needs and aspirations of the Esk Valley and its surrounding communities better than the people who live here. That’s why REConnect is committed to being co-steered, co-developed, and co-delivered - with you, and for you.
The first thing we did to ensure this happens is send out a survey to local residents asking questions such as:
- Do you feel you have enough access to information about local environmental issues and initiatives?
- How would you describe your connection to your local rivers and landscape?
- What activities/events would you like to see in your local community?
- What are the current barriers (if any) that are preventing you from engaging in these types of activities/events?
- and many more...
We hoped for 100 responses at this early stage of the project, but we were thrilled to receive thoughtful replies from 254 people. Here are some of our key takeaways:
Evening and weekend events are essential – Many respondents highlighted the need for activities outside of standard working hours to allow those with 9–5 jobs to take part.
Family-friendly formats matter – Supporting those with childcare responsibilities is crucial. This could include things like a children’s craft corner at adult-focused events or more activities designed specifically for families.
Local knowledge is invaluable – Many people shared insights about places, groups, and community dynamics that will help shape how and where we deliver REConnect.
People want to be involved – There’s a strong appetite for volunteering, co-creation, and hands-on participation, which reinforces our commitment to a community-led approach.
We will be repeating this survey annually to help us understand the community's changing needs and how the project is progressing.
As part of this survey, we were delighted to support two fantastic local businesses - Off the Scale in Castleton and the Inn on the Moor in Goathland - by entering everyone who submitted a response into a prize draw.
Piloting Events and Activities
To help shape the direction of REConnect, we piloted a range of events and activities to explore what works well and what could be improved. These early trials included storytelling and craft sessions with families in local libraries, clay habitat modelling workshops at East Whitby Academy, and participation in several local festivals and Countryside Learning Days.
We also launched our first series of public events under the banner of “River Revels” - a celebration of nature, community, and creativity. These five events included:
- River History Walk
- Botany for Beginners
- Yoga on the Beach
- Beach Clean
- Guided River Walk and Riverfly Demonstration
These pilots gave us valuable insights into what resonates with different audiences and how we can make future events even more inclusive, engaging, and impactful.
Ongoing Conversations, Deeper Connections
While our initial survey provided valuable insights, we know that true community consultation goes far beyond a single questionnaire. That’s why REConnect is committed to ongoing engagement throughout the life of the project.
We’ll be hosting community asset mapping workshops to identify the strengths, resources, and opportunities already present in the area, and running in-depth consultation sessions to explore what people really want from REConnect. These longer-form workshops will give space for deeper conversations, creative thinking, and collaborative planning - ensuring the project continues to reflect the voices, values, and visions of the communities it serves.
At the end of the year, we will also be forming the new REConnect Steering Group, made up of influential local community groups, individuals, and organisations with a community focus. This group will ensure that the needs of local people and landscape are prioritised throughout the life of the project.
Stay up to date with future sessions and workshops via the "REConnect Events" session of our main project webpage: River Esk Connect (REConnect) | NYMNP
A Logo Inspired by Young Imaginations (March 2025 - July 2025)
To create a logo that truly reflects the heart of REConnect, we invited local children to share their artistic visions of the local landscape. We received 60 wonderfully creative submissions, each offering a unique perspective on what the area means to them.
Two standout symbols emerged across many of the drawings: kingfishers and otters - beloved creatures that children strongly associate with the Esk Valley and its waterways. Some children also used jigsaw puzzle pieces to represent the idea of reconnecting people, places, and nature - an image that beautifully captured the spirit of the project.
Rather than choosing a single winner, we drew inspiration from a wide range of entries. Our in-house designer then brought these ideas together, weaving in the most meaningful elements to create the logo we proudly use today.
This collaborative process not only gave children a sense of ownership and pride, but also ensured that our visual identity is rooted in the community’s imagination and connection to the landscape.
Celebrating Our First Trainees (March 2025 – July 2025)
We were delighted to welcome Andrea Brew as our first REConnect Engagement Trainee. Andrea brought creative energy and deep local knowledge to the team, helping deliver a wide range of events - from our River Revels series to mindful yoga sessions and a riverside foraging walk.
We also hosted Milly Marr, a student from Middlesbrough College, for a four-week placement. Milly’s lifelong connection to the Esk Valley brought valuable insight and enthusiasm to the project.
We’re looking forward to welcoming more trainees and placements in Year 2 and beyond.
Launching REConnect: A Day to Remember (June 2025)
Our official launch event took place on 28 June 2025 at the Whitby Mission & Seafarers Centre, with over 200 attendees. It was a vibrant celebration of community, nature, and collaboration.
Highlights included:
- Interactive stalls and hands-on activities
- A guided orchid walk, beach clean, and accessible trail
- Opportunities for local groups to connect and share ideas
The event helped raise awareness of REConnect and sparked new conversations and partnerships that will shape the project going forward.
Listening to the Landscape: 50 Voices (continuous)
Led by York St John University, the 50 Voices sub-project is a creative research initiative capturing how people connect with the River Esk and its surrounding landscapes.
Each year, 50 individuals who live, work, or spend time in the catchment are invited to share their stories through filmed walking interviews and conversations. These personal reflections help us understand the emotional, ecological, and cultural value of the river - and how that connection evolves over time.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far. Your voices are helping shape a deeper, more meaningful future for the Esk. If you are interested in taking part, please contact reconnect@northyorkmoors.org.uk for more information.
Looking Ahead: Building on Year 1
Year 1 of REConnect has been all about listening, learning, and laying the groundwork for something truly community-led. From creative collaborations and local events to meaningful conversations and shared discoveries, we’ve seen just how much potential there is when people come together to care for their local landscapes.
As we move into Year 2, we’re excited to build on this momentum — deepening relationships, expanding our activities, and continuing to shape the project with the voices of the Esk Valley and coastal communities at its heart.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together next.
Stay connected and get involved: