Cumbrian river restoration scoops prestigious European Prize
An ambitious programme to restore and improve rivers across Cumbria has been awarded the prestigious European Riverprize at the 25th International River Symposium, held at the end of November 2022.
The Cumbrian River Restoration partnerships programme was announced as the winner of the prize for their efforts to reinstate natural river processes that benefit both people and wildlife. The work across the catchments of the Rivers Kent, Eden and Derwent has reduced flood risk, removed plastic from rivers and boosted biodiversity in the region.
The Lake District’s rivers are the beating heart of Britain’s waterways. They have been shaped by industry and land management over many centuries, and all watercourses within Cumbria have at some point been modified or altered to create space for farming practices or industry. This has exacerbated the effects of several severe flood events in recent years, with the area also suffering a severe decline in biodiversity.
The weir removal at Bowston, a project proposed by South Cumbria Rivers Trust (SCRT) in agreement with James Cropper, was aprominent example of the river
restoration programme and part of a webinar session during the symposium for river restoration practitioners from around the world. Being the largest river barrier removal in the UK in 2022, this mammoth venture brought together river trusts, environmental agencies, landowners, academics, communities and volunteers to restore the natural processes on this part of the river.
The River Kent is an internationally important site of special scientific interest, home to white-clawed crayfish and freshwater pearl mussels, as well as water
crowfoot, an oxygenating aquatic plant. Pete Evoy, director of SCRT, said: “Removing Bowston weir will help renaturalise this section of the River Kent, improve navigation for migratory species, reduce flood risks for residents and provide a 44% biodiversity net gain.”
“It’s fantastic to see the work of the Cumbria River Restoration programme being recognised on an international scale. In an ever-changing climate it’s work like this that will help to improve our environment for generations to come.”Olly Southgate, Cumbria River Restoration Programme Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
The European Riverprize celebrates excellence in the management, conservation and development of Europe’s rivers, wetlands and surrounding communities. The prize is awarded in conjunction with the European River Symposium, which attracts an audience of Europe’s leading advocates for environment and river protection, including the European Commissioner for Environment.
The Bowston weir removal is featured in the video that was presented at the awards to show the hard work involved to restore rivers in Cumbria, featured above.
