Completed Projects
SCRT was fortunate to inherit three early projects.
The Leven and Crake Conservation Trust (LCCT) had managed to secure a DEFRA/RES grant of £12,000 for two projects on the Crake and Cunsey Beck on the Leven system. Both Projects involved installing fencing to protect the riverbanks from animal poaching and erosion. Work on the Crake also involved planting the river banks with a mixture of native broadleaf trees. Work has now been completed on both projects. Further details and photographs of both these projects can be found here.
The Kent River Improvement Group (KRIG) had received a grant of £2600 from the EA to run an education project with 5 local schools. However KRIG could not run the project as it had no insurance, or funds to cover the premium. The project was therefore transferred to SCRT who already had suitable insurance. This was an excellent early example of how we can get synergies by having one organisation covering all of South Cumbria. For details see the Education section.
New Project Opportunities
Our rivers are not improved by having meetings. They can only be improved by activity on the river bank. Projects are the life blood of a River Trust. We need to identify new project opportunities. Anyone is welcome to contribute to this process. We are working with ART and the FBA to develop a survey methodology that we can use to assess our rivers and identify project opportunities. However most local anglers and river users will have views as to what is wrong and what should be done to improve the situation.
Project ideas are in this document. In the first instance we will operate this in "brainstorming mode" - i.e. any ideas will be recorded, even if they sound impractical, ineffective or very expensive. Later we will run a process to filter out the real and practical possibilities for further investigation. Please do not hesitate to let me have your ideas, e-mail to sue@scrt.co.uk, and I will add them to the document. The latest version of the document will always be available from the link above.
SCRT was fortunate to inherit three early projects.
The Leven and Crake Conservation Trust (LCCT) had managed to secure a DEFRA/RES grant of £12,000 for two projects on the Crake and Cunsey Beck on the Leven system. Both Projects involved installing fencing to protect the riverbanks from animal poaching and erosion. Work on the Crake also involved planting the river banks with a mixture of native broadleaf trees. Work has now been completed on both projects. Further details and photographs of both these projects can be found here.
The Kent River Improvement Group (KRIG) had received a grant of £2600 from the EA to run an education project with 5 local schools. However KRIG could not run the project as it had no insurance, or funds to cover the premium. The project was therefore transferred to SCRT who already had suitable insurance. This was an excellent early example of how we can get synergies by having one organisation covering all of South Cumbria. For details see the Education section.
New Project Opportunities
Our rivers are not improved by having meetings. They can only be improved by activity on the river bank. Projects are the life blood of a River Trust. We need to identify new project opportunities. Anyone is welcome to contribute to this process. We are working with ART and the FBA to develop a survey methodology that we can use to assess our rivers and identify project opportunities. However most local anglers and river users will have views as to what is wrong and what should be done to improve the situation.
Project ideas are in this document. In the first instance we will operate this in "brainstorming mode" -
Brian Fereday remains active on the Kent system working up a list of projects and going through the laborious process of getting consent from landowners and regulatory organisations. SCRT will endeavour to secure funding for these projects once the projects have been finalised and all consents secured.
In river features being added to a previously canalised section of the Crake, to improve spawning conditions and juvenile habitat.
This picture illustrates some work carried out by the Ribble Catchment Conservation Trust.
In the background some fencing, a wide buffer strip and a flood gate keep livestock at bay and allow the regeneration of a natural riparian zone. This results in better river habitat and more food for the inhabitants.
In the foreground cattle still have access to the river resulting in ongoing erosion and enrichment
In the background some fencing, a wide buffer strip and a flood gate keep livestock at bay and allow the regeneration of a natural riparian zone. This results in better river habitat and more food for the inhabitants.
In the foreground cattle still have access to the river resulting in ongoing erosion and enrichment