West Cumbria Rivers Trust is looking for even more volunteers in 2019 to help with their work to conserve rivers and lakes in the Keswick area.
The charity’s successful Derwent River Watchers days are back. Volunteers are needed on the third Thursday of each month to do practical projects on local waterways, including clearing invasive plants, planting trees and litter-picking. Transport is provided from the Trust’s Keswick office.
Events in March and April will take place at Dash Beck near Bassenthwaite. On 21 March volunteers will help with coppicing to let more light into the stream to improve the habitat for salmon and trout, as well as stabilising eroding banks to reduce the amount of sediment entering the water. On 18 April a team is needed for footpath repairs to improve access to Bassenthwaite Lake.
Jodie Mills, Operations Director said: “Our volunteers make a huge difference, helping us conserve the fantastic natural environment we’re surrounded by in this area. These practical conservation days offer people a chance to get outside and make a real difference and there’s always a great sense of team spirit. We’re extremely grateful to all our current volunteers and look forward to welcoming new faces this year.”
Derwent River Watchers days depart from West Cumbria River Trust’s office at 32 Lake Road, Keswick and volunteers need warm clothes, waterproofs and suitable footwear. The charity also offers several other volunteering opportunities. More information is available at www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/events or by phoning the Trust on 017687 75429.
The Dash Beck project is funded by the Lake District Foundation and the Lake District National Park Authority Communities Fund, and run in partnership with Bassenthwaite Rotary Club.
