Industry on the estuary has changed dramatically over the centuries, from being home to some of the largest whaling ports in the UK in the 1800s, to commercial fishing in the early 1900s where Grimsby landed approximately 20% of the UK’s total catch.
Post WW2, rapid industrialisation where petrochemical and other carbon-emitting industries established on the shores of the Humber resulted in the area emitting 50% more carbon than any other industrial area in the UK.
In the 21st century, industry on the Humber is constantly changing as it positions itself at the forefront of green, renewable energy such as offshore wind, carbon capture technology and hydrogen production.
Photography by Martin Standley
Throughout this period of change, the Humber Estuary has continued to provide the ideal conditions for a variety of habitats, such as wetland and saltmarsh, which in turn provides the perfect home for wildlife. This has resulted in the Humber being recognised as an internationally protected site, under several different classifications such as a European Marine Site (EMS).
From badgers, river otters, sea lamprey and migratory birds from all over the world, the Humber is an integral part of the ecosystem. Alongside providing habitats for a multitude of species, many people also live along the banks of the Humber Estuary. Out of the desire to protect this environment and the people that call it home, the Humber Nature Partnership was established.
In 2002 the Humber Industry Nature Conservation Association (Humber INCA) was created as a non-profit. The aim was to serve its members and the community by integrating nature conservation into business activities in a practical way, so that both business and the environment benefit.
The Humber Management Scheme was a separate scheme also established as a partnership between over 35 organisations including local and government authorities and bodies, with the aim to deliver the sustainable management of the Humber Estuary European Marine Site (EMS).
In 2011 the UK Government set out the 'Natural Environment White Paper’. This highlighted the need to consider the value of the environment when decisions impacting people and the local economy are made.
Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) originated as a way to enable that local action and management. With the Humber already having two organisations working to better the people and environment, the next logical step was to merge the two to create the Humber Nature Partnership (HNP); a non-profit organisation that collaborates with members and partner organisations to ensure the best results for people and nature.
Photography by Martin Standley
Currently, Humber Nature Partnership continues to work with relevant authorities, provide services to our members, manage the Humber Management Scheme (HMS) and work with the community to bring awareness to local environment issues, through events such as the Humber Nature Forum and Humber Conference.
HNP will continue to work for the good of the community and environment. We will continue to rise to the challenges of the ever changing environment, to enable a more sustainable future where nature and business can work together.