Our Story

The Calder Conservation Group CIC started as a small team of passionate locals who wanted to protect and restore the River Calder and its surrounding environment.

As our work expanded, we became a Community Interest Group (CIC) to enhance our impact.

Today, we run practical conservation projects, community clean-ups, and educational

initiatives to help create a sustainable future for our Rivers and Waterways.

Meet the Team

Lee Murrell - Founder and Chairman

My journey started as a boy, fishing gave me a love of not just the river systems but the habitats and wildlife surrounding and using them.

Fast forward to my 30s and I was quite a prolific barbel angler who was regularly bringing bags of waste and pollutants home with him.

At this point I was involved with the RACG, a group of likeminded anglers with a passion to make a difference to our waterways. The group unfortunately didn’t succeed for a

variety of reasons.

Lengthy conversations however with one of the committee members lead me on a

journey of thinking at great length about not only what goes into our waterways, but what, if anything can be done about it and how I could raise awareness and interest around the subject.

This I what drove me to set up The Calder Conservation Group, I believe that the power of community and collaboration is where the change happens!

If we can get enough likeminded community members talking about the issues that face not just our waterways, but our planet, together we can raise awareness, foster a sense of community pride and empower the next generation of conservationists!

Christophe Pelhate 24/07/1968-04/01/2024

Toni Holmes - Safeguarding Officer

A little about me.......

I'm an independent person who loves helping others and our environment. If you had asked me when I was leaving London in 2017 what would I be doing in Halifax, I would never had said volunteering my time for good causes.

I have so far volunteered for Victim Support, Marie Curie and the Better Living Team. I now have the following voluntary roles - Unmasked Mental Health, facilitating craft groups and peer to peer support hubs.

I have a role as a Community Governor for Park Lane Academy.

I co-ordinate Siddal Community Clean Up litter picks, and Wandering Womble litter picks and most recently, I got on board with The Calder Conservation Group CIC helping clean up our River Calder and Hebble Brook.

In 2023 I was nominated for the Green Award for the BBC Leeds Make A Difference Awards and Calderdale Councils Our Stars Awards becoming a finalist in both. I have also been interviewed live on BBC Radio Leeds recently.

I thoroughly enjoy being part of the community and I attend all the Ward Forums and make sure councillors know what we need.

I do have health issues but getting out there helps improve my physical health and is fantastic for my Mental Health. Everyone should get out there.

I do like football but I left my team in London and although I can never see me moving back, I still support them.

Join Our Mission

Be Part of Our Conservation Efforts

Together, we can enhance the environment and advocate for healthier rivers.
Get involved in local cleanups, restoration projects, and educational programs.

Join Us