Our BLOG
Ribble Rivers Trust Blog
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Bats In The UK: Hibernation, Native Species, And Bat Myth Busting
Bats are some of the most unique and iconic species that call the UK home. These amazing animals often have a spooky reputation. Could this have originated from tales of vampires? Or it could be because they’re nocturnal? Or perhaps even because of their looks? Either way, we love our native bats! Hibernation explained Depending…
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What Are Wetlands and Can They Reduce Flooding?
When we think about protecting rivers, our minds often go straight to the water flowing through the channel, but some of the most important work we do takes place just beside the river, in our wonderful wetlands! Wetlands are some of the most diverse habitats in the natural world. They come in many shapes and…
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Slowing the Flow at Worston Brook
As extreme weather events become more frequent, managing flood risk is becoming increasingly important for communities across the Ribble catchment. Traditional flood defences, such as walls and embankments, aren’t always cost effective- and can sometimes simply move the problem downstream. This is where Natural Flood Management (NFM) steps up. Using evidence to guide action At…
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Why do Leaves change colour in autumn? The Science Behind The Scenery
It’s that time of year when our wonderful woodlands give us one last spectacle, with a glorious show as the leaves change colour in autumn before the trees retreat into dormancy for the winter. Did you know that the fresh vibrant green leaves that adorn our trees in summer already contain these autumn colours? Tree…
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The Ribble Salmon Run; an Epic Upstream Journey
Salmon are some of the most iconic creatures in our rivers, and every year they provide one of nature’s greatest spectacles- the salmon run. This awe-inspiring annual migration sees Atlantic salmon return from the ocean to the rivers where they were born, overcoming immense challenges to complete their lifecycle. The salmon run begins with a…
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CaSTCo: Using Citizen Science Data for Healthier Rivers
The Catchment Systems Thinking Cooperative (CaSTCo) is a nationwide partnership that’s changing the way we care for our rivers. This project was designed to bring together more than 30 organisations, including ours, to bridge the gap between citizen science data and professional monitoring. By sharing data, tools, and expertise, CaSTCo has helped communities and decision-makers…
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The Lancashire Woodland Partnership
Partnership celebrates success as communities, landowners, and conservationists unite to transform Lancashire’s landscape Lancashire’s landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation this year, as over 220,000 new trees have taken root thanks to the collective efforts of landowners, volunteers, and conservation groups. The achievement is thanks to the Lancashire Woodland Partnership, a coalition of environmental organisations…
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Woodlands and Rivers: The Woodland Creation Cycle
Autumn is here, and that can only mean one thing- it’s time to start thinking about woodland creation! If you’re new to Ribble Rivers Trust then you might wonder, why does a Rivers Trust spends so much time planting trees? The answer is simple. If rivers are the heart of the natural world, connecting habitats…
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Upper Storth Gill Beck De-culvert and Wetlands
We’re excited to share the successful completion our Upper Storth Gill Beck de-culvert and wetlands; a project that combines habitat creation with flood management. This innovative scheme features three ponds and a small section of de-culverting, designed to boost biodiversity and improve water flow across the local landscape. What have we achieved at Upper Storth…
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Lower Storth Gill Beck De-Culverting
Lower Storth Gill Beck, near Giggleswick, North Yorkshire is in the upper part of the Ribble Catchment. It’s an area that remains fairly natural, thanks in part to the lower populations and agricultural land use. However, like many watercourses in the area, Lower Storth Gill Beck has been straightened and culverted, which is far from…
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What Is A Mast Year And What Does It Mean For Our Woodlands?
If you’ve been out and about over the last couple of months, you’ve probably noticed that our trees are packed full of berries and branches are weighed down with fruits, seeds, and nuts. That’s because 2025 is shaping up to be a mast year. This is a special event that only happens every few years,…
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River Catchments: How They Work and Why They Matter
Ribble Rivers Trust is on a mission to protect and restore the wonderful waterways that wind their way through our landscapes. But what exactly are iver catchments, and why are they important? If you’ve ever heard us referring to the Ribble catchment or a catchment-based approach and found yourself a little confused, you’re in the…
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Planting for the Future at Fishwick Bottoms
The city of Preston and the surrounding towns and villages have faced flooding for centuries, caused by a combination of tidal flows moving upstream from the sea and excessive rainwater flowing downstream. Over the years, a series of flood defences have helped to reduce this risk. However, as the city continues to grow, and climate…
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Water Safety: our guide to river safety
The Ribble catchment is a fantastic place to explore, especially when the sun’s shining! From wild swimming to paddling, kayaking to fishing, our rivers, lakes, and streams offer something for everyone. But where there’s water, there’s risk, so we want to make sure you’re well prepared for safe wild swimming- even if you didn’t set…
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Cow Ark wetlands; creating spaces for nature, and room for rivers
Nestled in the beautiful Ribble Valley, a small patch of land in Cow Ark is now home to a thriving new network of wetlands, wader scrapes, woodlands, and hedgerows thanks to a major restoration project funded through the Room For Rivers: River Revival programme of work. Until recently, much of this land was made up…
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How to Save Water in the Garden, and Help Wildlife Too!
When it comes to making your garden more wildlife-friendly, planting wildflowers, adding a pond, or leaving areas to grow naturally can all make a big difference. But there’s one essential resource that’s often overlooked- water. Why saving water matters Even in damp and rainy Lancashire, our gardens consume a surprising amount of water. If that…
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Hot Weather, Low Water: Why Droughts Are Bad News for Fish
It’s certainly been a hot, dry year so far and whilst many of us welcome a sunny spell, this prolonged dry period is taking a serious toll on our rivers. There is no denying that the UK is experiencing more frequent and intense weather extremes. Climate change is already making droughts more common in the…
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Planning on making a splash? What You Need to Know About Bathing Waters
When the sun’s shining and temperatures soar, there’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in your local river or a paddle at the seaside. But before you head to the water’s edge, it’s worth asking an important question: is it safe to swim here? In the Ribble catchment, several sites have been officially designated as…
