West Cumbria Rivers Trust
@westcumbriart.bsky.social
WCRT is an award-winning environmental charity dedicated to protecting, restoring and improving the region's blue spaces for people and wildlife.
Our new Walkmill Community Woodland website is live: www.walkmill.org
A fresh hub for events, activities, volunteering and the woodland’s rich history, including newly shared photos uncovered with help from Cumbria Archives. More events landing in the new year. We hope you like it...
A fresh hub for events, activities, volunteering and the woodland’s rich history, including newly shared photos uncovered with help from Cumbria Archives. More events landing in the new year. We hope you like it...
December 11, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Our new Walkmill Community Woodland website is live: www.walkmill.org
A fresh hub for events, activities, volunteering and the woodland’s rich history, including newly shared photos uncovered with help from Cumbria Archives. More events landing in the new year. We hope you like it...
A fresh hub for events, activities, volunteering and the woodland’s rich history, including newly shared photos uncovered with help from Cumbria Archives. More events landing in the new year. We hope you like it...
Our Assistant Director, Vikki Salas, is on BBC Look North (NE & Cumbria) tonight talking about our Resilient Glenderamackin project as part of their feature marking ten years since Storm Desmond 🌊 Restoring rivers, reconnecting floodplains & protecting communities ❤️ Catch it at 6.30pm!
December 4, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Our Assistant Director, Vikki Salas, is on BBC Look North (NE & Cumbria) tonight talking about our Resilient Glenderamackin project as part of their feature marking ten years since Storm Desmond 🌊 Restoring rivers, reconnecting floodplains & protecting communities ❤️ Catch it at 6.30pm!
Something magical is brewing in the workshop… 🎄
Artist Daniel Weatheritt + National Trust are shaping a new piece, Drawn to Water, heading to the shores of Derwent Water early next year.
Supported by the Species Survival Fund.
#WateryWalks #DrawnToWater #WCRTWalks
Artist Daniel Weatheritt + National Trust are shaping a new piece, Drawn to Water, heading to the shores of Derwent Water early next year.
Supported by the Species Survival Fund.
#WateryWalks #DrawnToWater #WCRTWalks
December 3, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Something magical is brewing in the workshop… 🎄
Artist Daniel Weatheritt + National Trust are shaping a new piece, Drawn to Water, heading to the shores of Derwent Water early next year.
Supported by the Species Survival Fund.
#WateryWalks #DrawnToWater #WCRTWalks
Artist Daniel Weatheritt + National Trust are shaping a new piece, Drawn to Water, heading to the shores of Derwent Water early next year.
Supported by the Species Survival Fund.
#WateryWalks #DrawnToWater #WCRTWalks
Something special is happening! 👀🐟
Not one, not two, but three Atlantic salmon have reached their spawning grounds where we carried out river restoration this summer. After a 4,000–6,000 km migration, they’ve made it home. Nature wins again. 👏🐟
Not one, not two, but three Atlantic salmon have reached their spawning grounds where we carried out river restoration this summer. After a 4,000–6,000 km migration, they’ve made it home. Nature wins again. 👏🐟
November 25, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Something special is happening! 👀🐟
Not one, not two, but three Atlantic salmon have reached their spawning grounds where we carried out river restoration this summer. After a 4,000–6,000 km migration, they’ve made it home. Nature wins again. 👏🐟
Not one, not two, but three Atlantic salmon have reached their spawning grounds where we carried out river restoration this summer. After a 4,000–6,000 km migration, they’ve made it home. Nature wins again. 👏🐟
When rivers can be rivers, wildlife bounces back 🌊
How Beck near St John’s Beck once had just 4 trout per 100m². After restoration with boulders, trees and woody debris, our latest survey shows there are now 80 🐟
Nature bounces back when it has the right conditions. #HealthyRivers #NatureRecovery
How Beck near St John’s Beck once had just 4 trout per 100m². After restoration with boulders, trees and woody debris, our latest survey shows there are now 80 🐟
Nature bounces back when it has the right conditions. #HealthyRivers #NatureRecovery
November 10, 2025 at 9:15 AM
When rivers can be rivers, wildlife bounces back 🌊
How Beck near St John’s Beck once had just 4 trout per 100m². After restoration with boulders, trees and woody debris, our latest survey shows there are now 80 🐟
Nature bounces back when it has the right conditions. #HealthyRivers #NatureRecovery
How Beck near St John’s Beck once had just 4 trout per 100m². After restoration with boulders, trees and woody debris, our latest survey shows there are now 80 🐟
Nature bounces back when it has the right conditions. #HealthyRivers #NatureRecovery
It’s been a busy summer in waders at Legburthwaite, near Thirlmere 🌊 We’ve been restoring another stretch of river to create more space and better habitat for salmon, lamprey and trout 🐟
November 5, 2025 at 9:12 AM
It’s been a busy summer in waders at Legburthwaite, near Thirlmere 🌊 We’ve been restoring another stretch of river to create more space and better habitat for salmon, lamprey and trout 🐟
Farmers urgently need government support to restore rivers and make #SpaceForWater, which will create wildlife habitat, clean our waters, and protect communities from flood and drought. We've nearly reached our goal of 10,000 signatures. Help us get there:
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
November 4, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Farmers urgently need government support to restore rivers and make #SpaceForWater, which will create wildlife habitat, clean our waters, and protect communities from flood and drought. We've nearly reached our goal of 10,000 signatures. Help us get there:
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Make a real impact on rivers and wildlife! We’re looking for trustees with a passion for conservation, especially those with commercial, legal, or community/education experience. Find out more ￫ www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/news/new-tru...
November 3, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Make a real impact on rivers and wildlife! We’re looking for trustees with a passion for conservation, especially those with commercial, legal, or community/education experience. Find out more ￫ www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/news/new-tru...
1km of river restoration on the River Ehen this summer! Revetments removed, boulders added, floodplains reconnected. More resilient habitat for freshwater mussels, Atlantic salmon & other wildlife. Thanks to Environment Agency, United Utilities, Wild Ennerdale, Natural England.
October 27, 2025 at 11:36 AM
1km of river restoration on the River Ehen this summer! Revetments removed, boulders added, floodplains reconnected. More resilient habitat for freshwater mussels, Atlantic salmon & other wildlife. Thanks to Environment Agency, United Utilities, Wild Ennerdale, Natural England.
Something exciting is taking shape on Derwent Water 👀 We’re working with the National Trust & artist Daniel Weatheritt on a new sculpture project – part of a bigger WCRT Watery Walk coming soon. Our Youth Panel’s been helping dream it up… watch this space!
October 13, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Something exciting is taking shape on Derwent Water 👀 We’re working with the National Trust & artist Daniel Weatheritt on a new sculpture project – part of a bigger WCRT Watery Walk coming soon. Our Youth Panel’s been helping dream it up… watch this space!
Tackling Japanese Knotweed at its source 🌱 With Environment Agency permission we’re using a water-safe, targeted herbicide (blue dye shows treated areas). This invasive INNS spreads fast and can damage riverbanks – careful, timely management protects our rivers.
October 8, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Tackling Japanese Knotweed at its source 🌱 With Environment Agency permission we’re using a water-safe, targeted herbicide (blue dye shows treated areas). This invasive INNS spreads fast and can damage riverbanks – careful, timely management protects our rivers.
A wild first week for our apprentices! 🌿 From peat probes on the Thirlmere fells ⛰️ to moss ID at Glasson Moss 🌱, a Bioblitz at Walkmill 🪰, and bat boxes at Westogether 🦇 – they’ve been busy learning, surveying and scything their way into conservation life! 💪
October 7, 2025 at 8:51 AM
A wild first week for our apprentices! 🌿 From peat probes on the Thirlmere fells ⛰️ to moss ID at Glasson Moss 🌱, a Bioblitz at Walkmill 🪰, and bat boxes at Westogether 🦇 – they’ve been busy learning, surveying and scything their way into conservation life! 💪
At Longlands Lake we thought a teddy bear was wedged in an owl box… until a Tawny Owl flew out! 🦉 Huge thanks to Robert Stephenson, whose species-tailored boxes are already proving a hit on the west coast. Got one at home? Share your owl pics!
October 6, 2025 at 8:20 AM
At Longlands Lake we thought a teddy bear was wedged in an owl box… until a Tawny Owl flew out! 🦉 Huge thanks to Robert Stephenson, whose species-tailored boxes are already proving a hit on the west coast. Got one at home? Share your owl pics!
🌿 14–18? Join our Youth Panel & be a voice for Cumbria’s rivers & lakes! Tree planting, creative workshops, leadership meetings – make an impact & learn new skills. 📩 [email protected]
October 3, 2025 at 8:01 AM
🌿 14–18? Join our Youth Panel & be a voice for Cumbria’s rivers & lakes! Tree planting, creative workshops, leadership meetings – make an impact & learn new skills. 📩 [email protected]
🚨 New research shows the Lake District’s rivers are in trouble.
42% fail legal ecological standards. In 2024 alone, sewage spilled for 25,800+ hours – 573 hrs per overflow, more than double the national average.
#ProtectOurRivers #LakeDistrict
42% fail legal ecological standards. In 2024 alone, sewage spilled for 25,800+ hours – 573 hrs per overflow, more than double the national average.
#ProtectOurRivers #LakeDistrict
October 1, 2025 at 4:22 PM
🚨 New research shows the Lake District’s rivers are in trouble.
42% fail legal ecological standards. In 2024 alone, sewage spilled for 25,800+ hours – 573 hrs per overflow, more than double the national average.
#ProtectOurRivers #LakeDistrict
42% fail legal ecological standards. In 2024 alone, sewage spilled for 25,800+ hours – 573 hrs per overflow, more than double the national average.
#ProtectOurRivers #LakeDistrict
🤝 Last week saw the first Cumbria-wide meet-up of trustees & CEOs from WCRT, @EdenRiversTrust, @SCRiversTrust & @LuneRiversTrust. Site visit at Bowberhead, then pies & big chats at the Fat Lamb. Such a success we’ll now meet every 6 months! #RiversTrusts #PartnershipWorking
October 1, 2025 at 10:02 AM
🤝 Last week saw the first Cumbria-wide meet-up of trustees & CEOs from WCRT, @EdenRiversTrust, @SCRiversTrust & @LuneRiversTrust. Site visit at Bowberhead, then pies & big chats at the Fat Lamb. Such a success we’ll now meet every 6 months! #RiversTrusts #PartnershipWorking
💧 Our #rivers are in crisis – polluted, overheated & stripped of natural features. We’ve hit 7.5k petition signatures but need 10k for a govt response. Add your name & help restore our rivers: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
September 26, 2025 at 9:01 AM
💧 Our #rivers are in crisis – polluted, overheated & stripped of natural features. We’ve hit 7.5k petition signatures but need 10k for a govt response. Add your name & help restore our rivers: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Fishy business on the River Calder 🐟
We recently carried out a fish rescue on the River Calder, carefully moving fish to safety before work begins at a construction site. This was delivered as part of our consultancy services – Find out more here: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/consultancy
We recently carried out a fish rescue on the River Calder, carefully moving fish to safety before work begins at a construction site. This was delivered as part of our consultancy services – Find out more here: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/consultancy
September 22, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Fishy business on the River Calder 🐟
We recently carried out a fish rescue on the River Calder, carefully moving fish to safety before work begins at a construction site. This was delivered as part of our consultancy services – Find out more here: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/consultancy
We recently carried out a fish rescue on the River Calder, carefully moving fish to safety before work begins at a construction site. This was delivered as part of our consultancy services – Find out more here: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/consultancy
🌿 Last week’s herbal leys farm walk was a hit! Thanks to James Bretherton (AgScope), Richard Henderson & Liz’s Country Kitchens for the tips, demos & tasty treats. Great insights for anyone managing grassland on how to reduce input costs, boost soil health & increase yields.
September 19, 2025 at 9:45 AM
🌿 Last week’s herbal leys farm walk was a hit! Thanks to James Bretherton (AgScope), Richard Henderson & Liz’s Country Kitchens for the tips, demos & tasty treats. Great insights for anyone managing grassland on how to reduce input costs, boost soil health & increase yields.
🌿 We’ve made new wildlife ponds at High Leys Meadow Ponds & Wetlands, Loweswater!
These three new ponds will create diverse habitats and enhance the wetland. Thanks to FiPL for funding & Tom Lindsey for the works! 🐸🦆
These three new ponds will create diverse habitats and enhance the wetland. Thanks to FiPL for funding & Tom Lindsey for the works! 🐸🦆
September 12, 2025 at 12:15 PM
🌿 We’ve made new wildlife ponds at High Leys Meadow Ponds & Wetlands, Loweswater!
These three new ponds will create diverse habitats and enhance the wetland. Thanks to FiPL for funding & Tom Lindsey for the works! 🐸🦆
These three new ponds will create diverse habitats and enhance the wetland. Thanks to FiPL for funding & Tom Lindsey for the works! 🐸🦆
Last night our AD Luke Bryant spoke on BBC Look North about the devastating cuts to river restoration funding.
💧 Gov support has been slashed by 96% for our work & 87% for the Cumbria River Restoration Programme.
💧 Gov support has been slashed by 96% for our work & 87% for the Cumbria River Restoration Programme.
September 12, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Last night our AD Luke Bryant spoke on BBC Look North about the devastating cuts to river restoration funding.
💧 Gov support has been slashed by 96% for our work & 87% for the Cumbria River Restoration Programme.
💧 Gov support has been slashed by 96% for our work & 87% for the Cumbria River Restoration Programme.
We’re proud to have been finalists for Thiess International River Prize – the Oscars of the environment – with our brilliant partners @edenriverstrust @southcumbriariverstrust Ullswater Catchment CIC, @nationaltrust.org.uk The Environment Agency @naturalengland & @defrauk - it's a huge accolade!
September 10, 2025 at 12:24 PM
We’re proud to have been finalists for Thiess International River Prize – the Oscars of the environment – with our brilliant partners @edenriverstrust @southcumbriariverstrust Ullswater Catchment CIC, @nationaltrust.org.uk The Environment Agency @naturalengland & @defrauk - it's a huge accolade!
This summer we welcomed two Lancaster Uni interns for 3 weeks of hands-on conservation 🌿 They helped with electrofishing, balsam bashing & data work, and we got the most lovely thank-you card! Huge thanks & best of luck in your next adventures! #Conservation #Volunteers
September 8, 2025 at 8:45 AM
This summer we welcomed two Lancaster Uni interns for 3 weeks of hands-on conservation 🌿 They helped with electrofishing, balsam bashing & data work, and we got the most lovely thank-you card! Huge thanks & best of luck in your next adventures! #Conservation #Volunteers
This summer, over 1,000 volunteer hours went into balsam bashing across 93 hectares. At most sites we’ve now reached the furthest ever extents - making an impact at the source of our headwater sites. 🌿 It's a big challenge but we're not afraid to chip away until the Derwent catchment is HB free!
September 8, 2025 at 8:45 AM
This summer, over 1,000 volunteer hours went into balsam bashing across 93 hectares. At most sites we’ve now reached the furthest ever extents - making an impact at the source of our headwater sites. 🌿 It's a big challenge but we're not afraid to chip away until the Derwent catchment is HB free!
♻️ Zero Waste Week: it doesn’t start at the bin. Reuse, repurpose, repair – recycle last. Only 9% of plastic ever made has been recycled, and UK homes bin 1.7B pieces of plastic every week. Small swaps = big impact. 💡Tips: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/river-friendly
September 4, 2025 at 10:01 AM
♻️ Zero Waste Week: it doesn’t start at the bin. Reuse, repurpose, repair – recycle last. Only 9% of plastic ever made has been recycled, and UK homes bin 1.7B pieces of plastic every week. Small swaps = big impact. 💡Tips: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/river-friendly