Double Your Donation with 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 unique fundraising campaign where every donation will be doubled. That means that your £1 becomes £2, £10 becomes £20, and £50 becomes £100- and all of it goes towards empowering local communities to tackle pollution in our rivers!
Why Are We Raising £10,000?
Humans have coexisted beside the River Ribble for millennia, relying on the river for food, water, and transport. However, since the start of the Industrial Revolution, this relationship has become toxic, as have many rivers. Lancashire’s once-thriving mill industry, and the devastating pollution it brought, may now be history, but our rivers face a legacy of mismanagement. Now, this legacy is combined with fresh challenges including urbanisation, expanding agriculture, and sewage pollution.
Our RiverBlitz sessions are just one of many solutions we’re implementing. During a RiverBlitz, citizen scientists work together to collect information about three key river features: biodiversity including the insects, crustaceans, and fish that live in the water, water chemistry where we test for chemicals including phosphates and nitrate, and habitat quality where we assess the extent of human modification. When combined, this data shows us how healthy the river is and enables us to pinpoint the best course of action to restore the river back to nature.
In total we have four campaign aims:
- To carry out monthly RiverBlitz and citizen science events from March through to October. Through regular events, we aim to get a snapshot of water quality across our 750 sq mile river catchment, helping us to better identify issues within the area that may be impacting river health.
- To make sure that people count at the heart of rivers recovery. So, we will work to connect people with their rivers through data collection, and help people to take direct action that benefits the rivers and streams in their communities.
- To produce a body of evidence showing which areas are most polluted and where the pollution comes from, which can then be used to campaign for greater protection for our rivers, and proper investment and change from polluters.
- To continue to work to restore the Ribble catchment and it’s waters, guided by scientific data and evidence.
How Can You Help?
The Big Give Green Match Fund runs for just one week, starting on 22nd April and ending on the 29th April. You can help by marking these dates in your calendar and making a donation! Secondly, please spread the word! Share this event with your friends, family, and colleagues and encourage them to take part and double their donations.
You can view all the information about our fundraiser, and donate to the cause from the 22nd April, by visiting The Big Give website.
Remember- your donation is more than just money; it’s an investment in healthier rivers, thriving wildlife, and cleaner water for future generations. Let’s take action together because when we come together, we can make a real difference.
Stay tuned for updates and get ready to double your impact for our rivers!
Rivers are at the heart of our local landscapes. Whether you’re casting a line, exploring a riverside trail, or simply basking in the beauty of nature, you can help protect these special places now, and for generations to come.
By becoming a Ribble Rivers Trust supporter for just £3 a month, you’ll be funding real, on-the-ground action.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more here: ribbletrust.org.uk/become-a-supporter
