Experience the River

SCRT are committed to raising awareness of South Cumbria’s rivers and becks and does this through attending shows and events, training and supporting our volunteer teams and also through the annual “Experience the River” programme that works with local primary schools throughout the catchments.

“Experience the River” aims to introduce children to their local stream or river and is offered to schools which have a suitable site within easy walking distance. Part of the project is a field trip where the children are encouraged to get their feet wet to experience the river habitat at first hand, and to study the fascinating creatures to be found there. The project helps them to understand the delicate ecology of the river, the myriad of life there and the need for care and conservation. Our aim is to make the children champions for their local beck, and to carry the message for sustainable activities at home and at work into their local communities. To encourage deeper feelings for the river, the project concludes with a creative activity where the children are encouraged to express their experiences through a creative medium.

In total 22 different schools within the SCRT catchment have now taken part on one or more occasion since the inception of “Experience the River” in 2006.

SCRT is grateful for the generous sponsorship of this project from The Bridge House Hotel, Grasmere. We would also like to thank the school staff and helpers, and the landowners for allowing access to local rivers.