| Reclaim our River The restored riverbank in Priory Gardens, Marlborough was opened by the Mayor of Marlborough, Cllr Peggy Dow, on July 5th, 2008. The opening was the final stage of an 18 month project run jointly by ARK and KVAT. Project manager, Charlotte Hitchmough said 'The river looks fantastic already, with starwort growing freely now that shading from trees have been reduced. The wildflowers on the banks are well established and the new benches and tables have made the area a much more pleasant place for people to spend time.'In partnership with the Kennet Valley Arts Trust, ARK won a Big Lottery Fund People's Millions grant to run an Arts and Environment project in Marlborough. Thousands of people picked up the telephone to vote for the project. Over the past year many river-themed arts activities have been going on, whilst down by the river in Priory Gardens a steady transformation has been taking place on the banks of the River Kennet. UPDATED NEWS... JUNE 2008 The new, hand-carved oak benches are finally being set in place during the week of 23 June 2008. To take a look at the benches please go to the blog spot: http://reclaimourriver.blogspot.com/ MAY 2008 The hard work of all our voluteers has paid off. The marsh marigolds are flowering on the river bank, and in the woodland area bugle, bluebell and cowslip are looking lovely. 
Our contractors, Brennans of Wiltshire, have just completed laying the new path and putting in a hardstanding for the new benches and table.
JUNE 2007 Priory Gardens
The work at Priory Gardens is progressing well. Thanks to all of our team of volunteers who worked very hard to put the new bank revetment in place! The margins will be planted up with wildflowers on July 27th. Anyone is welcome to come along and join in. To find out more about the project take a look at the blog:
http://reclaimourriver.blogspot.com/ 
NOVEMBER 2006 WE WON...! To view a Press Release with more information, please click here. Thank you to everyone who picked up the telephone and voted to 'Reclaim our River'. We are delighted to say that we have won £50,000 to restore the banks of the Kennet at Priory Gardens in Marlborough, and for KVAT to run an arts festival celebrating the river during the summer 2007.
Contact: info@riverkennet.org or call Anna Sexton (KVAT) 01980 670036.
This project is part of the ongoing Marlborough River Restoration Scheme. | 
