West Cumbria Rivers Trust
@westcumbriart.bsky.social
WCRT is an award-winning environmental charity dedicated to protecting, restoring and improving the region's blue spaces for people and wildlife.
When rivers can be rivers, wildlife bounces back 🌊
How Beck near St John’s Beck once had just 4 trout per 100m². After restoration with boulders, trees and woody debris, our latest survey shows there are now 80 🐟
Nature bounces back when it has the right conditions. #HealthyRivers #NatureRecovery
How Beck near St John’s Beck once had just 4 trout per 100m². After restoration with boulders, trees and woody debris, our latest survey shows there are now 80 🐟
Nature bounces back when it has the right conditions. #HealthyRivers #NatureRecovery
November 10, 2025 at 9:15 AM
When rivers can be rivers, wildlife bounces back 🌊
How Beck near St John’s Beck once had just 4 trout per 100m². After restoration with boulders, trees and woody debris, our latest survey shows there are now 80 🐟
Nature bounces back when it has the right conditions. #HealthyRivers #NatureRecovery
How Beck near St John’s Beck once had just 4 trout per 100m². After restoration with boulders, trees and woody debris, our latest survey shows there are now 80 🐟
Nature bounces back when it has the right conditions. #HealthyRivers #NatureRecovery
It’s been a busy summer in waders at Legburthwaite, near Thirlmere 🌊 We’ve been restoring another stretch of river to create more space and better habitat for salmon, lamprey and trout 🐟
November 5, 2025 at 9:12 AM
It’s been a busy summer in waders at Legburthwaite, near Thirlmere 🌊 We’ve been restoring another stretch of river to create more space and better habitat for salmon, lamprey and trout 🐟
Farmers urgently need government support to restore rivers and make #SpaceForWater, which will create wildlife habitat, clean our waters, and protect communities from flood and drought. We've nearly reached our goal of 10,000 signatures. Help us get there:
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
November 4, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Farmers urgently need government support to restore rivers and make #SpaceForWater, which will create wildlife habitat, clean our waters, and protect communities from flood and drought. We've nearly reached our goal of 10,000 signatures. Help us get there:
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Make a real impact on rivers and wildlife! We’re looking for trustees with a passion for conservation, especially those with commercial, legal, or community/education experience. Find out more ￫ www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/news/new-tru...
November 3, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Make a real impact on rivers and wildlife! We’re looking for trustees with a passion for conservation, especially those with commercial, legal, or community/education experience. Find out more ￫ www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/news/new-tru...
1km of river restoration on the River Ehen this summer! Revetments removed, boulders added, floodplains reconnected. More resilient habitat for freshwater mussels, Atlantic salmon & other wildlife. Thanks to Environment Agency, United Utilities, Wild Ennerdale, Natural England.
October 27, 2025 at 11:36 AM
1km of river restoration on the River Ehen this summer! Revetments removed, boulders added, floodplains reconnected. More resilient habitat for freshwater mussels, Atlantic salmon & other wildlife. Thanks to Environment Agency, United Utilities, Wild Ennerdale, Natural England.
Something exciting is taking shape on Derwent Water 👀 We’re working with the National Trust & artist Daniel Weatheritt on a new sculpture project – part of a bigger WCRT Watery Walk coming soon. Our Youth Panel’s been helping dream it up… watch this space!
October 13, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Something exciting is taking shape on Derwent Water 👀 We’re working with the National Trust & artist Daniel Weatheritt on a new sculpture project – part of a bigger WCRT Watery Walk coming soon. Our Youth Panel’s been helping dream it up… watch this space!
Tackling Japanese Knotweed at its source 🌱 With Environment Agency permission we’re using a water-safe, targeted herbicide (blue dye shows treated areas). This invasive INNS spreads fast and can damage riverbanks – careful, timely management protects our rivers.
October 8, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Tackling Japanese Knotweed at its source 🌱 With Environment Agency permission we’re using a water-safe, targeted herbicide (blue dye shows treated areas). This invasive INNS spreads fast and can damage riverbanks – careful, timely management protects our rivers.
A wild first week for our apprentices! 🌿 From peat probes on the Thirlmere fells ⛰️ to moss ID at Glasson Moss 🌱, a Bioblitz at Walkmill 🪰, and bat boxes at Westogether 🦇 – they’ve been busy learning, surveying and scything their way into conservation life! 💪
October 7, 2025 at 8:51 AM
A wild first week for our apprentices! 🌿 From peat probes on the Thirlmere fells ⛰️ to moss ID at Glasson Moss 🌱, a Bioblitz at Walkmill 🪰, and bat boxes at Westogether 🦇 – they’ve been busy learning, surveying and scything their way into conservation life! 💪
At Longlands Lake we thought a teddy bear was wedged in an owl box… until a Tawny Owl flew out! 🦉 Huge thanks to Robert Stephenson, whose species-tailored boxes are already proving a hit on the west coast. Got one at home? Share your owl pics!
October 6, 2025 at 8:20 AM
At Longlands Lake we thought a teddy bear was wedged in an owl box… until a Tawny Owl flew out! 🦉 Huge thanks to Robert Stephenson, whose species-tailored boxes are already proving a hit on the west coast. Got one at home? Share your owl pics!
🌿 14–18? Join our Youth Panel & be a voice for Cumbria’s rivers & lakes! Tree planting, creative workshops, leadership meetings – make an impact & learn new skills. 📩 info@westcumbriariverstrust.org
October 3, 2025 at 8:01 AM
🌿 14–18? Join our Youth Panel & be a voice for Cumbria’s rivers & lakes! Tree planting, creative workshops, leadership meetings – make an impact & learn new skills. 📩 info@westcumbriariverstrust.org
🚨 New research shows the Lake District’s rivers are in trouble.
42% fail legal ecological standards. In 2024 alone, sewage spilled for 25,800+ hours – 573 hrs per overflow, more than double the national average.
#ProtectOurRivers #LakeDistrict
42% fail legal ecological standards. In 2024 alone, sewage spilled for 25,800+ hours – 573 hrs per overflow, more than double the national average.
#ProtectOurRivers #LakeDistrict
October 1, 2025 at 4:22 PM
🚨 New research shows the Lake District’s rivers are in trouble.
42% fail legal ecological standards. In 2024 alone, sewage spilled for 25,800+ hours – 573 hrs per overflow, more than double the national average.
#ProtectOurRivers #LakeDistrict
42% fail legal ecological standards. In 2024 alone, sewage spilled for 25,800+ hours – 573 hrs per overflow, more than double the national average.
#ProtectOurRivers #LakeDistrict
🤝 Last week saw the first Cumbria-wide meet-up of trustees & CEOs from WCRT, @EdenRiversTrust, @SCRiversTrust & @LuneRiversTrust. Site visit at Bowberhead, then pies & big chats at the Fat Lamb. Such a success we’ll now meet every 6 months! #RiversTrusts #PartnershipWorking
October 1, 2025 at 10:02 AM
🤝 Last week saw the first Cumbria-wide meet-up of trustees & CEOs from WCRT, @EdenRiversTrust, @SCRiversTrust & @LuneRiversTrust. Site visit at Bowberhead, then pies & big chats at the Fat Lamb. Such a success we’ll now meet every 6 months! #RiversTrusts #PartnershipWorking
💧 Our #rivers are in crisis – polluted, overheated & stripped of natural features. We’ve hit 7.5k petition signatures but need 10k for a govt response. Add your name & help restore our rivers: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
September 26, 2025 at 9:01 AM
💧 Our #rivers are in crisis – polluted, overheated & stripped of natural features. We’ve hit 7.5k petition signatures but need 10k for a govt response. Add your name & help restore our rivers: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Fishy business on the River Calder 🐟
We recently carried out a fish rescue on the River Calder, carefully moving fish to safety before work begins at a construction site. This was delivered as part of our consultancy services – Find out more here: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/consultancy
We recently carried out a fish rescue on the River Calder, carefully moving fish to safety before work begins at a construction site. This was delivered as part of our consultancy services – Find out more here: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/consultancy
September 22, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Fishy business on the River Calder 🐟
We recently carried out a fish rescue on the River Calder, carefully moving fish to safety before work begins at a construction site. This was delivered as part of our consultancy services – Find out more here: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/consultancy
We recently carried out a fish rescue on the River Calder, carefully moving fish to safety before work begins at a construction site. This was delivered as part of our consultancy services – Find out more here: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/consultancy
🌿 Last week’s herbal leys farm walk was a hit! Thanks to James Bretherton (AgScope), Richard Henderson & Liz’s Country Kitchens for the tips, demos & tasty treats. Great insights for anyone managing grassland on how to reduce input costs, boost soil health & increase yields.
September 19, 2025 at 9:45 AM
🌿 Last week’s herbal leys farm walk was a hit! Thanks to James Bretherton (AgScope), Richard Henderson & Liz’s Country Kitchens for the tips, demos & tasty treats. Great insights for anyone managing grassland on how to reduce input costs, boost soil health & increase yields.
🌿 We’ve made new wildlife ponds at High Leys Meadow Ponds & Wetlands, Loweswater!
These three new ponds will create diverse habitats and enhance the wetland. Thanks to FiPL for funding & Tom Lindsey for the works! 🐸🦆
These three new ponds will create diverse habitats and enhance the wetland. Thanks to FiPL for funding & Tom Lindsey for the works! 🐸🦆
September 12, 2025 at 12:15 PM
🌿 We’ve made new wildlife ponds at High Leys Meadow Ponds & Wetlands, Loweswater!
These three new ponds will create diverse habitats and enhance the wetland. Thanks to FiPL for funding & Tom Lindsey for the works! 🐸🦆
These three new ponds will create diverse habitats and enhance the wetland. Thanks to FiPL for funding & Tom Lindsey for the works! 🐸🦆
Last night our AD Luke Bryant spoke on BBC Look North about the devastating cuts to river restoration funding.
💧 Gov support has been slashed by 96% for our work & 87% for the Cumbria River Restoration Programme.
💧 Gov support has been slashed by 96% for our work & 87% for the Cumbria River Restoration Programme.
September 12, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Last night our AD Luke Bryant spoke on BBC Look North about the devastating cuts to river restoration funding.
💧 Gov support has been slashed by 96% for our work & 87% for the Cumbria River Restoration Programme.
💧 Gov support has been slashed by 96% for our work & 87% for the Cumbria River Restoration Programme.
We’re proud to have been finalists for Thiess International River Prize – the Oscars of the environment – with our brilliant partners @edenriverstrust @southcumbriariverstrust Ullswater Catchment CIC, @nationaltrust.org.uk The Environment Agency @naturalengland & @defrauk - it's a huge accolade!
September 10, 2025 at 12:24 PM
We’re proud to have been finalists for Thiess International River Prize – the Oscars of the environment – with our brilliant partners @edenriverstrust @southcumbriariverstrust Ullswater Catchment CIC, @nationaltrust.org.uk The Environment Agency @naturalengland & @defrauk - it's a huge accolade!
This summer we welcomed two Lancaster Uni interns for 3 weeks of hands-on conservation 🌿 They helped with electrofishing, balsam bashing & data work, and we got the most lovely thank-you card! Huge thanks & best of luck in your next adventures! #Conservation #Volunteers
September 8, 2025 at 8:45 AM
This summer we welcomed two Lancaster Uni interns for 3 weeks of hands-on conservation 🌿 They helped with electrofishing, balsam bashing & data work, and we got the most lovely thank-you card! Huge thanks & best of luck in your next adventures! #Conservation #Volunteers
This summer, over 1,000 volunteer hours went into balsam bashing across 93 hectares. At most sites we’ve now reached the furthest ever extents - making an impact at the source of our headwater sites. 🌿 It's a big challenge but we're not afraid to chip away until the Derwent catchment is HB free!
September 8, 2025 at 8:45 AM
This summer, over 1,000 volunteer hours went into balsam bashing across 93 hectares. At most sites we’ve now reached the furthest ever extents - making an impact at the source of our headwater sites. 🌿 It's a big challenge but we're not afraid to chip away until the Derwent catchment is HB free!
♻️ Zero Waste Week: it doesn’t start at the bin. Reuse, repurpose, repair – recycle last. Only 9% of plastic ever made has been recycled, and UK homes bin 1.7B pieces of plastic every week. Small swaps = big impact. 💡Tips: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/river-friendly
September 4, 2025 at 10:01 AM
♻️ Zero Waste Week: it doesn’t start at the bin. Reuse, repurpose, repair – recycle last. Only 9% of plastic ever made has been recycled, and UK homes bin 1.7B pieces of plastic every week. Small swaps = big impact. 💡Tips: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/river-friendly
Crow Park’s ‘Poor’ bathing water rating showed why status matters – but one site isn’t the whole story. 💦 With funding from @CumberlandCouncil & @UKGovernment, we’re testing 4 more sites on Derwent Water this summer. Results due in autumn. Find out more 🔎 www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/friends
August 27, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Crow Park’s ‘Poor’ bathing water rating showed why status matters – but one site isn’t the whole story. 💦 With funding from @CumberlandCouncil & @UKGovernment, we’re testing 4 more sites on Derwent Water this summer. Results due in autumn. Find out more 🔎 www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/friends
Catch our Luke Bryant on BBC Look North East & Cumbria tonight! 🌊 100km of rivers restored, the Cumbria River Restoration Programme is a Thiess International RiverPrize finalist 🌍✨ #riveroscars #riverfoundation
August 22, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Catch our Luke Bryant on BBC Look North East & Cumbria tonight! 🌊 100km of rivers restored, the Cumbria River Restoration Programme is a Thiess International RiverPrize finalist 🌍✨ #riveroscars #riverfoundation
🦪 Over 18 months we’ve worked to protect freshwater pearl mussels in the Rivers Irt & Ehen, thanks to Natural England’s #SpeciesRecoveryProgramme. There’s been lots of hard graft, but recovery’s only just begun... Infographic here 👇 #ProtectOurRivers #NatureRecovery #FWPM
August 13, 2025 at 10:01 AM
🦪 Over 18 months we’ve worked to protect freshwater pearl mussels in the Rivers Irt & Ehen, thanks to Natural England’s #SpeciesRecoveryProgramme. There’s been lots of hard graft, but recovery’s only just begun... Infographic here 👇 #ProtectOurRivers #NatureRecovery #FWPM
We’ve supported the creation of 4 new wildlife ponds in the Newlands Valley. As England has lost 75% of its wetlands, projects like this help slow water, store carbon & bring back biodiversity – one pond at a time.
#PondLife #FarmingWithNature
#PondLife #FarmingWithNature
August 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
We’ve supported the creation of 4 new wildlife ponds in the Newlands Valley. As England has lost 75% of its wetlands, projects like this help slow water, store carbon & bring back biodiversity – one pond at a time.
#PondLife #FarmingWithNature
#PondLife #FarmingWithNature