The Cumbrian River Restoration Strategy (CRRS) has reached the finals for the prestigious European River Prize 2022.

This Environment Agency/Natural England led strategy aims to restore natural river processes in Cumbria. The CRRS was developed to improve the form and function of three catchment areas, the Rivers Eden, Derwent and Kent, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) for the benefit of people and wildlife.

Historically, modifications were made to our rivers before it was fully understood what effects these would have. Reintroducing natural processes, such as connection with floodplains, sediment management, variation in flows and barrier removal helps reshape rivers, providing the diversity of habitats required for a healthy river ecosystem.

Here at SCRT, we lead river restoration on the River Kent SSSI/SAC, Eden Rivers Trust on the River Eden SSSI/SAC and West Cumbria Rivers Trust on the River Derwent SSSI/SAC. Since 2010, CRRS has attracted even more partners including National Trust, Ullswater CIC, University of Lancaster, Dynamic Rivers and RSPB, gaining national recognition for its flagship approach to river management and restoration.

The work to restore Cumbria’s rivers is one of three finalists across Europe and we’re up against projects on the Vjosa River in Greece and Albania and the Mura, Drava and Danube Rivers through central Europe.

The winner is due to be announced at the 25th International River Symposium this November.

Olly Southgate, Cumbria and Lancashire River Restoration Programme Manager at the Environment Agency says, “We are thrilled to have been nominated as a finalist for the European River Awards. It’s heartwarming to see the work of the Cumbria River Restoration programme being recognised on an international scale. Delivering river restoration work can provide a wide range of benefits, creating better natural habitats for wildlife and reducing flood risk through innovative nature-based solutions.”

We have carried out weir removals, embankment removals, re-wiggling and more in South Cumbria alone. You can find out more about river restoration here.