News

Riverfly report SCRT have a Riverfly monitoring programme in which volunteers get involved to survey and protect the health of the local rivers and becks in South Cumbria. This initiative provides a simple monitoring technique which we can use to detect any severe perturbations in river water quality. That’s because the common characteristics of riverfly; their limited mobility, relatively long life cycle, presence throughout the year and specific tolerances to changes in environmental conditions make them powerful biological indicators to monitor water…

It is with great sadness that we pass on the news that our friend and Trustee Ian McMurdo has passed away. He was a great champion of our trust and a huge support for all the staff over many differing projects over many years and his death is a very big loss to us all. He was a great man and will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad time. There has been a…

South Cumbria Rivers Trust have secured funding from South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) for an exciting and innovative carbon reduction project. Our Cool Rivers will produce up-to-date maps of tree cover, species and approximate age/maturity to create action plans for future tree planting and riparian fencing work. Thanks to SLDC for supporting our project. Take a look at who else secured funding here: Carbon reduction projects receive cash boosts from SLDC fund (southlakeland.gov.uk)

South Cumbria Rivers Trust have just removed a small weir in the Grizedale catchment in South Cumbria. This project was a low-risk barrier removal funded by the Environment Agency. Watch the video to learn more about the project, why the removal of barriers are important and the weir itself being removed!

The Conserving Coniston & Crake project has produced a good practice guide for owners of septic tanks and why looking after them matters to our becks and lakes. The guide offers advice on how they should be maintained, when they need to be emptied and what should or shouldn’t go into them. Whilst it has been written by the Coniston & Crake team, the information is applicable to anyone anywhere with a septic tank. Find the guide HERE. The guide…

We have completed an exciting Natural Flood Management (NFM) project in Kendal Town Centre. Read all about it here. Kendal Town View Fields NFM Project

The Fight the Aliens Day was another huge success after more than 60 volunteers attended to pull the pesky non-native species Himalayan Balsam in Rydal last Saturday. #BalsamBashing Friends of the Lake District, our partners for this event, have released a press release here; https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/news/volunteers-pull-together-to-fight-the-aliens There are some pictures below for you. Fancy find out more about Himalayan Balsam and how to pull it? Take a look at the invasive species section of our website as well as this great video…

Fight the Aliens day is BACK this weekend! Information about the event can be found here: https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/event/fight-the-aliens-big-balsam-bash-2020 Last year saw huge number of volunteers attend the fight to eradicate Himalayan Balsam with Friends of the Lake District and the Kent Catchment Partnership. https://scrt.co.uk/news/aliens-assassinated/ In preparation for the event this weekend, some of our volunteers have put together a how to guide, to help explain the best way to pull Himalayan Balsam. Take a look;

Over the coming weeks we will be delivering a natural flood management project at Reston Scar above Staveley. Natural flood management projects ‘mimic’ natural processes to help slow the flow of water. In addition they often increase resilience to drought conditions and help increase local biodiversity. The aim of the project at Reston Scar is to ‘test and trial’ new techniques to reduce flood risk for rural communities. We will be installing several leaky timber structures and undertaking drainage works…

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is effecting individuals and businesses alike. Self distancing is the new ‘norm’ and we have put provisions in place for staff to work from home, where possible, and cancelled all non-essential activities, including; meetings and engagement activities to do our bit to stop the spread of the virus. Yes we may have a more virtual presence but it doesn’t mean our staff aren’t working hard behind the scenes to keep the charity going and continue our…