About FORK
The Friends of the River Kelvin
A group of people who care passionately about the River and its wildlife set up the Friends of the River Kelvin (FORK) in 1991. FORK aims to continue the rehabilitation of Glasgow’s second river and to present it as a model for river regeneration within the European community.
FORK ensures we keep a healthy River by working with other bodies who are active on the Kelvin, including the City Council’s Land Services Department, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Kelvin Clyde Greenspace. Hundreds of people now take part in activities on the Kelvin – angling, botany, education, canoeing, clean-ups, social history events, talks, walks and wildflower planting. Young FORK organises all sorts of activities for children, along the River and in Ha’penny Bridge House – FORK’s HQ on the Kelvin Walkway. There are also regular barbecues during the summer and a volunteer clean-up along the banks on the first Saturday morning of each month.
FORK aims to heighten and extend public awareness and commitment to the care and maintenance of the Kelvin and its tributaries in several ways:
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The formation of local groups, to be responsible for that part of the Kelvin in their area
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Improving peoples’ awareness of the natural history of the river and its environs
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Promotion of the recreational opportunities provided by the Kelvin
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Carrying out environmental improvements along the course of the river
The Society holds regular clean ups of the river on the first Saturday of ever month. The emphasis of all our work is to have fun while doing good.
As part of the West End Festival, FORK organises a Gala on the River every year where hundreds enjoy live music, good food, puppet shows and the chance to try canoeing. The Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Glasgow Conjurers are just two of the many organisations who take part and help to make these events a great success.
The Cormorant was adopted as the emblem of the society after one visited the Kelvin in the spring of 1991, a clear sign that the river was clean and well
As part of the West End Festival, FORK organises a Gala on the River every year where hundreds of West-Enders enjoy live music, good food, puppet shows and the chance to try canoeing. The Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Glasgow Conjurers are just two of the many organisations who take part and help to make these events a great success.
Friends of the River Kelvin (Scottish Charity No: SC028920) was founded under the auspices of Keep Scotland Beautiful, Cathedral Square, Dunblane FK19 0AQ
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