Cumbrian river restoration programme scoops the prestigious European Riverprize.
We are honoured and humbled to be a part of the ambitious programme to restore and improve rivers across Cumbria, which has just been awarded the prestigious European Riverprize.
The Environment Agency and Natural England set up this forward thinking programme in 2010 and we at SCRT have been there since its inception. Over the past 12 years, the partnership has continued to grow and now includes Eden Rivers Trust, West Cumbria Rivers Trust, National Trust, RSPB, Ullswater CIC, United Utilities, and specialist contractors and expertise from Dynamic Rivers, Professor Neil Entwistle from Salford Uni and more.
Dubbs Beck restoration project on the Kent catchment
The winner was announced at the Gala Dinner of the 25th International River Symposium on 29 November. It has been awarded due to our continual and combined efforts to reinstate natural river processes that benefit both people and wildlife across Cumbria.
SCRT have carried out a number of CRRS projects such as weir removals, revetment and embankment removals, large upland re-wiggling and more. You can find out more information about our projects here.
Overall, the Cumbrian River Restoration programme has improved almost 100k of river length and restored over 150 hectares of floodplain across the catchments of the Rivers Eden, Derwent and Kent. This has included re-meandering projects, barrier removals, embankment removal, tree planting and more. Over 100 projects have been completed which have improved river form and function, improved biodiversity, reduced flood risk and improved navigation for fish species as well as human navigation.
Bowston weir removal – Before
Olly Southgate, Cumbria River Restoration Programme Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “We are thrilled to have won the European River Awards. It’s fantastic to see the work of the Cumbria River Restoration programme being recognised on an international scale. 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 would like to thank all partners, stakeholders, local communities and private landowners involved in bringing this programme to fruition. In an ever-changing climate it’s work like this that will help to improve our environment for generations to come.”
Bowston weir removal – After
Practical work was also accompanied by engagement, training, and educational initiatives ranging from community events, volunteer days, internal and external training, conference and workshop presentations.
The rivers in Cumbria have been shaped by industry and land management over many centuries. All watercourses within Cumbria have at some point been modified or altered to create space for farming practices or industry. This has exacerbated the effects of several severe flood events in recent years, with the area also suffering degradation of designated protected areas and a severe decline in biodiversity.
First awarded in 2013, the European Riverprize celebrates excellence in the management, conservation and development of Europe’s rivers, wetlands and surrounding communities. Historically, the prize is award in conjunction with the European River Symposium, which attracts an audience of Europe’s leading advocates for environment and river protection, including the European Commissioner for Environment.
Congratulations to the other two finalists; a fantastic campaign to save the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last wild rivers, and a fantastic project covering the Mura, Drava and Danube Rivers in central Europe.
Jumb Quarry project to prevent sediment loading and reduce flooding in Kentmere.