Our BLOG
Ribble Rivers Trust Blog
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Bringing nature home: wildlife ponds
Ponds are amazing spaces for wildlife, supporting a wide range of species and providing homes for some really special creatures. Yet numbers have seen a big decline in recent years, partly due to our quest for neater gardens, but also so that land can be utilised for agriculture and development. However, we want ponds to…
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What Is A Fish Pass?
You’ve probably heard the term fish pass used a lot, but maybe you’re still wondering what they are and why we construct them. To put it simply, a fish pass is a structure build on, in, or alongside a river barrier. These structures help fish move up and down river blocking barriers like weirs and…
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Signs of Spring: What to Look Out For
Spring is a glorious time in nature. After the cold and dark of winter, signs of new life begin to emerge. The sights, sounds, and smells bring hope and cheer as more light and warmth encourage unfurling leaves, colourful blooms, and thriving wildlife. But when does spring really start, and what are the key signs…
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Supporting Farmers for a Healthier Ribble Catchment
Farming has shaped the landscapes of the Ribble catchment for centuries and, with rivers meandering through fields, pastures, and woodlands, farmers play a vital role in protecting water quality, reducing pollution, and enhancing biodiversity. That’s why Ribble Rivers Trust’s farm advisors work closely with farmers and landowners to find practical, sustainable solutions that benefit both…
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Stockton’s Wetland: a Hub For WIldlife And Flood Resilience
An exciting new wetland creation project at Stockton’s Wetland is underway. Located on the floodplain of the River Ribble near Long Preston, this project will convert an unproductive area of agricultural land into a vibrant wetland ecosystem, offering significant benefits for wildlife and local communities. The heart of Stockton’s Wetland will feature two interconnected ponds,…
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Exciting News: Wetlands Are Coming to Jamie’s Farm!
We are delighted to announce that we have officially commenced a new project under our Ribble Revival: Room for Rivers program at Jamie’s Farm (Haugh Field Farm). With generous funding from Defra and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this marks our third initiative following the successful completion of the Holden Wetland and our fish pass…
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Press Release “Poor” Bathing Water Highlights Need For Change
Concerns have been raised over the “poor” water quality rating at Edisford Bridge, Clitheroe, the Ribble Catchment’s first designated river bathing water site. Despite achieving Bathing Water Status earlier this year, thanks to the application by Ribble Rivers Trust, the newly released classification underscores the urgent need for action. Action to tackle the causes of…
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Dedicate A Tree This Christmas
As winter’s chill sets in and the trees stand bare, the Ribble Rivers Trust is gearing up for one of the most exciting times of the year—tree planting season. From November through to March, we’ll be transforming landscapes across Lancashire, planting an incredible 60 hectares of woodland through our Lancashire Woodland Connect initiative. But to…
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Helping Hibernating Wildlife in Your Garden This Winter
Winter presents unique challenges for many of species. With temperatures dropping and food becoming scarcer, many animals rely on a remarkable adaptation to survive the colder months: hibernation. Many people think that hibernation is simply an extended nap- but hibernation is much more than that. It’s a finely tuned state where animals slow their metabolism,…
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Nurture Nature: Grow a Native Tree from Seed in Your Garden
Have you ever wondered how you can grow a native tree from a seed? It’s a simple and rewarding activity, perfect for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. Plus, rivers and trees are the perfect match, which is why we want to see as many trees in our catchment as possible! Follow these easy steps,…
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Blackburn’s Farm; Wetlands, water, and wildflowers
For the latest project in our Room For Rivers programme, we’re working with Blackburn’s Farm to create a new conservation area to support habitats for amphibians, invertebrates, and a rich variety of grassland and wetland species. Our project will establish a diverse wet grassland area complete with ponds, scrapes, and a new hedgerow to provide…
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Rivers and trees; nature’s dream team
In the rolling landscapes of Lancashire, where the countryside meets the water, there are hundreds of miles of riverside woodland. This unassuming habitat offers more than just a pretty view, it plays a vital role in addressing climate change and biodiversity concerns. So, let’s explore river woodlands and we’ll tell you why they are a…
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The 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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Breaking Barriers: the new Bezza Brook Fish Pass
Our latest fish passage project is almost complete! Working alongside our contractor, Wade Group, Ribble Rivers Trust’s river conservation specialists have been working on Bezza Brook fish pass, the latest in a long line of weir removals and fish passes. For this project, the tidal zone of the Ribble catchment is the focus, ensuring migratory…
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Natural Flood Management Data; the science behind the projects
Data and evidence play a huge role in our work here at Ribble Rivers Trust. If you’ve been following our river conservation efforts, you’ll likely have heard us talk about the importance of collecting and analysing data. But have you ever wondered what this data collection actually looks like? Earlier this year, Ribble Rivers Trust…
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Community Catchments; Empowering People, Improving Resilience
The Ribble Rivers Trust has launched a new project aimed at tackling flooding in three Lancashire towns through community-led natural flood management. The “Community Catchments” initiative will work closely with residents, businesses, and landowners in Wrea Green, Darwen, and Clitheroe, empowering them to protect their homes and livelihoods while enhancing the natural environment. Building on…
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Holden Wetland: a thriving space for wildlife and water
Earlier this year, we announced the Ribble Rivers Trust, alongside other conservation projects, received grants from the Species Survival Fund with the aim to enable the restoration of over 3,300 hectares of critical habitat. Our grant supports the Ribble Revival: Room for Rivers programme which is set to rejuvenate the Ribble catchment, by targeting strategic…
