Primrose Community Nature Trust and Ribble Rivers Trust have announced a new partnership that will continue the conservation and stewardship of Clitheroe’s Primrose Nature Reserve.

This new collaboration will oversee the maintenance of the 16 acre site, aiming to ensure its long-term protection and preservation. Through the agreement, Ribble Rivers Trust will provide additional support to the volunteers who help with the reserves upkeep. Tasks such as clearing the litter washed down from the town, tree planting, fence maintenance and Himalayan balsam pulling.

Extensive restoration work was carried out by Ribble Rivers Trust between 2019-2022. The Primrose Lodge Blue and Greenway project created a beautiful natural sanctuary for wildlife with a fish pass that was, briefly, the longest Alaskan fish pass in England!

Ribble Rivers Trust completed the work in three phases. Firstly, over 4,000 cubic metres of silt, which gathered over decades of neglect, was removed from the waters. Work then began on creating the public access elements of the site, including the footpath, boardwalk, and bridges. Finally, the Trust completed the installation of the fish pass. Surveys show that this fish pass has been enabling the migration of sea trout, brown trout, Atlantic salmon, and more! Additionally, many species of invertebrates, birds and mammals have taken up residence.

Jack Spees, CEO of Ribble Rivers Trust added. “We’re looking forward to extending our partnership with PCNT and seeing the nature reserve continue to improve. We’ve worked well throughout the development of the site and, with the help of all the dedicated volunteers, are determined to keep Primrose Nature Reserve the pride of the community.”

The agreement reflects a shared commitment between PCNT and RRT to strengthen the connection between people and nature, while prioritizing environmental sustainability and habitat conservation. Find out more about Primrose Community Nature Trust here: primrosecommunitynaturetrust.org