THE environmental health of the river Wharfe is the subject of a new educational 'game' which will be launched by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust next week.

'We Have a River for Everyone' has been devised by primary schools in upper Wharfedale and is a nine-metre long, interactive transportable 'river' made from a durable material in two layers.

Designed in conjunction with partners and professional artists, the game's purpose is to encourage players to look at issues that

affect the river corridor, and then make decisions about water and land management systems.

The game forms part of a larger project funded by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust which includes practical improvements to the river corridor.

Bookings to play the game in schools and other community groups is being managed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Through a series of eight themed panels, the basic idea is to start at the source of the river and move down through the system looking at a variety of issues.

Potential issues and their effects include, over-grazing, habitats, floods, drought, erosion, pollution, water supply and recreation.

The river will be used by people of all ages in many different settings such as outdoor events, villages halls and schools.

There will be a special launch of the game at the Village Hall in Kettlewell.

l Left, a fisherman at the River Wharfe.