Local conservation charity, Eden Rivers Trust, has launched a campaign this week to plant 10,000 trees in the Eden Valley to reduce flood risk to the area.
The BIG Eden Tree Plant calls on local volunteers to pledge to plant 10,000 trees this autumn as part of the charity’s Heritage Lottery supported Cherish Eden project, which aims to encourage local people and visitors to enjoy, cherish and protect the River Eden in Cumbria.
Supported by Sainsbury’s Penrith as part of their Local Charity of the Year scheme, the campaign will be launched at an event highlighting the vast array of voluntary and training opportunities available with Eden Rivers Trust. Visitors to the store between 11th and 14th October can try their hand at dry stone walling, willow spiling, counting crayfish and find out about the other amazing creatures that call the river home.
Tony Gale, Store Manager for Sainsbury’s Penrith is looking forward to another Local Charity of the Year weekend: “We’re excited to have Eden Rivers Trust in store to promote volunteering opportunities within their charity, especially their current drive to plant trees along the River Eden. We’re hoping our customers will join us in support of this important local cause.”
Volunteer Coordinator for Eden Rivers Trust, Susie Grainger, is optimistic about achieving the target: “At Eden Rivers Trust, we are fortunate to have a fantastic group of volunteers that enable us to get so much conservation work done. The BIG Eden Tree Plant is a great opportunity for even more people to join in – come and learn new skills, get out and enjoy the Eden’s rivers and scenery, meet new people and join us for some of the best cake in Eden. There will always be cake.”
The BIG Eden Tree plant will see new woodland planted with a mix of native species on sites near Dockray (Ullswater) and Thrimby near Shap. The woodland will create a biodiverse river habitat that will contribute towards mitigating the effects of flooding and sediment deposition downstream whilst improving water quality through intercepting pollutant and sediments upstream.
For more information on The BIG Eden Tree Plant and other volunteering opportunities with Eden Rivers Trust, sign up in store, call 01768 866788 or email [email protected]
