Our BLOG
Ribble Rivers Trust Blog
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PRESS RELEASE: The Big River Watch is Back!
The Big River Watch returns! Members of the public are once again invited to participate in The Big River Watch, the only citizen science survey dedicated to monitoring the health of rivers across the UK and Ireland which has seen nearly 12,000 people take part since the inaugural event in September 2023. The upcoming survey…
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Small Garden Changes, Big Wildlife Wins!
This bank holiday weekend, why not make the most of your outdoor space and make your garden more wildlife friendly? Whether you’ve got a sprawling lawn, a cosy courtyard, or a beautiful urban balcony, there are plenty of small, simple changes you can make that could have a big impact for local wildlife. After all,…
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The Big Give Green Match Fund
Our rivers are facing a crisis. Pollution, habitat destruction, and poor water quality threaten the health of the River Ribble and its tributaries. But there’s good news: you can help turn the tide! From the 22nd April to the 29th April, Ribble Rivers Trust is taking part in The Big Give Green Match Fund a…
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Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Volunteering!
Volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with nature, meet like-minded people, and make a real difference to the health of our rivers and wildlife. At Ribble Rivers Trust, we welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and experience levels to join our hands-on conservation work. To help you get started, we’ve put together this FAQ guide…
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Rivers and Plastics – Is It Really That Bad?
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, and unfortunately, our rivers are suffering the consequences. Every piece of litter that finds its way into a stream or river has the potential to travel through the entire river catchment, affecting wildlife, habitats, and even our own health. But how bad…
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Edisford Bridge: Bathing Water Status and What It Means for You
Edisford Bridge in Clitheroe has officially been designated as a Bathing Water site, marking an important step towards improving water quality and protecting river users. But what does this status actually mean, and what can be done to make our rivers cleaner and safer? Here’s everything you need to know. What is a Designated Bathing…
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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…
