Yorkshire Ribble Rangers

At Ribble Rivers Trust our mission is clear. To protect and restore the rivers within our catchment area, ensuring current and future generations can enjoy the beauty of its wildlife and landscapes. This applies to the whole catchment, from Ribblehead right through to Lytham St Annes. So, whilst the majority of our work is based in Lancashire, we look after a corner of North Yorkshire too.

Hence, why the cornerstone of our latest project is the establishment and empowerment of a dedicated local group. These are the “Yorkshire Ribble Rangers.” This group represents a vital bridge between the local residents and the safeguarding of the source of the Ribble. After all, these vast upland moors are a critical ecosystem that provides a lifeline for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Our project is completely community-oriented, with a strong focus on active participation and engagement from local residents.

What will Yorkshire Ribble Rangers Achieve?

  • Community Group Formation. Firstly, we are establishing the “Yorkshire Ribble Rangers,” a community group that will be at the forefront of our conservation efforts. This group will be made up of local residents, ensuring that the project is driven by, and for, the community.
  • Citizen Science. We will train local people as citizen scientists, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to monitor various parts of the river ecosystem. This hands-on involvement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for the environment.
  • Invasive Species Management. Our project will actively involve community members in the identification, reporting, and removal of invasive species like Himalayan balsam. This not only addresses a pressing ecological issue but also instils a sense of stewardship among the participants.
  • Habitat Restoration. Engaging community members in the harvesting of wildflower seeds and replanting efforts in areas affected by Himalayan balsam helps create a strong connection between the participants and the restoration of their local environment.
  • Woodland Management. The potential training of community members in woodland maintenance and surveying further integrates the people into the project’s long-term conservation goals.

Community led river conservation

Our project places the community at its core. Our goal is to nurture a sense of environmental responsibility, and actively involve local residents in the protection and enhancement of the River Ribble. This promotes a sustainable and community led approach to conservation.

Of course, this isn’t the only benefit. Ribble Rivers Trust have an established reputation for using science, data, and evidence to guide our work. This unique approach enables us to prioritise our work areas to deliver the most effective results from our projects. This includes our woodland and wetland creation, in-river enhancements, volunteering, citizen science initiatives, and education work with local schools and communities.

The data that our Yorkshire Ribble Rangers collect will feed directly into these databases. This means that the group will be shaping the future of river conservation at the very source of this mighty river.

Funding for this project has been awarded by Yorkshire Dales National Park, who have obtained funding from Tarmac due to a Section 106 Planning Agreement.

Get involved!

Our catchment covers over 750 square miles. Whilst the Upper Ribble is one of the most picturesque and ecologically important parts of our catchment, it only covers a small section of North Yorkshire. So, if you’d like to receive information specific to this location, fill in the form below. Once you’ve signed up, we’ll email you about Yorkshire Ribble Rangers events only.