Rivers Trusts in Cumbria

Windermere,
Ambleside & District
Angling Association

ppa1240de0 Rivers Trusts have been described as having “wet feet” because they have the reputation of being “doers”, concentrating much of their effort on practical catchment, river and fishery improvement works on the ground. In the history of almost every trust there has been a key trigger leading to their formation.For the Eden Rivers Trust the spark was ignited by a major pollution incident in 1996. The much younger South Cumbria Rivers Trust developed in response to a marked decline in migratory fish stocks.

Although their roots are in angling and fisheries their approach is holistic and works on the premise that whatever improves the habitat of the catchment inevitably feeds down to the rivers. Their activities can be grouped into three main areas.

Research; such as electro-fishing and habitat surveys which give an indication of the health of a catchment and help to plan and prioritise conservation work.

Practical conservation work including habitat restoration, the introduction of fish passes, stocking and advice on land management.

Education; educating people, particularly the young,not only about the importance of the river catchments but also how to protect and care for them in the future.

Both groups welcome all the help they can get whether that means hands on involvement with practical projects, surveying of invertebrate populations, support at events or simply a donation towards their funds.