RIVER WALK TO CELEBRATE BAGS OF HELP FROM TESCO

The Ribble Rivers Trust are leading a free circular river walk around Burnley’s Rivers Calder and Brun this Sunday 22nd October to celebrate the newly created guide.

October 17, 2017 — The river walk has been devised with support from the Tesco Bags of Help fund in a scheme that also included the removal of Bluebell Wood Weir near Towneley Park, and river education sessions with local primary schools. The 7.7 mile river walk starts at 10am from the car park on Centenary Way and takes in the ‘straight mile’ above the Calder Valley, Towneley Park, Bluebell Wood and the villages of Hurstwood and Worsthorne.

“This project has allowed us to work with primary school children, teenagers and older residents proving that every generation values their local environment and can work together to improve and protect their local river. We’re delighted to be running a guided river walk that will celebrate the project and urge everyone to come along and find out more about what we’ve done” said Emily Bateman, Education and Engagement Officer for the Ribble Rivers Trust.

The project is a scheme within a larger programme of work called Ribble Life Together, supported by Heritage Lottery funding and delivering a healthier river system for the benefit and enjoyment of local communities and wildlife. KS2 pupils from Worsthorne, St Peter’s, Springfield and St Stephen’s, as well as members from Burnley and District U3A and participants in the Burnley National Citizen Service have all contributed to its success.

Harvey Hamilton-Thorpe, Programme Manager at Ribble Rivers Trust, spoke about the modification of Bluebell Wood weir, “With the help of Tesco Bags of Help funding, this project will enable wildlife to migrate freely over a newly modified weir, improving habitat and improving the overall health of the River Calder through Burnley.  The presence and health of these iconic species play a vital role in awareness raising and educating local people and children about their local environment.”

Participants are advised to wear warm and waterproof clothing, wear suitable footwear and bring a drink and lunch to eat en route. To book your free place, please contact Ribble Rivers Trust on 01200 444452.

The Ribble Rivers Trust (RRT) is a local environmental charity established in 1997 to protect and restore the rivers, streams and watercourses within the Ribble catchment and to raise public awareness of the value of our local rivers and streams. The Ribble catchment is the area of land that is drained by the River Ribble and its major tributaries; the Hodder, Calder and Darwen. It covers a varied landscape, from the rural hills of the Yorkshire Dales and the source of the River Ribble, to major urban areas of Lancashire including Blackburn, Burnley and Preston. For more information visit https://ribbletrust.org.uk

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