A Cumbrian campaign group’s project to help clean the River Kent has received a £10,000 boost.
The Clean River Kent Campaign, an initiative run by Sustainable Staveley, has been given the cash from one of Cumbria’s newest charities to undergo the second phase of its water testing programme.
Penny Conservation Charity was founded last year and this is its first donation. It will help the campaign use advanced microbial analysis to assess contamination and health risks.
Clean River Kent Campaign is a coalition of communities living along the length of the River Kent in Cumbria from Kentmere to Staveley, Burneside, Kendal, Sedgwick, Levens and to the sea at Arnside.
Isobel Stoddart, chair of Sustainable Staveley, said: “The second phase of water testing in the Clean River Kent Campaign aims to assess microbial contamination and health risks in the river Kent by integrating Microbial Source Tracking and random DNA sequencing.
“This vital stage of understanding the pollutants and sources of pollution of the river has only been made possible by the donation and support of Penny Conservation, and we’re extremely grateful for the support.
“Our aim is to make the River Kent clean for all types of water-based recreation and to protect the ecology and wildlife in the river by working with local communities.
“Building on phase one of the project, this new phase will strengthen campaigning efforts, support scientific research, and engage the local community in protecting the river.
“The aim of this project is to benefit both the wellbeing of the local wildlife and the access to recreation for the local community.”
Penny Conservation Charity is the charity that, through the support of donors including English Lakes Hotels and supporters including David & Bowring, Edwin Thompson and law firm Napthens, primarily funds projects for the environment and communities across Cumbria and north Lancashire.
Chair of the charity, Jamie Allison, of Napthens, said: “Our aim is to support the promotion of conservation, protection and improvement of the natural and human environment, through the provision of grants to local community groups, registered charities, local bodies, other selected organisations or individuals.
“Sustainable Staveley and the Clean River Kent Campaign is a prime example of people and communities coming together to protect and enhance the amazing natural environment in Cumbria.
“We didn’t hesitate providing the financial support, as collectively we know how important the rivers are to the environment and indeed providing a reason for people to visit Cumbria.
“Only by supporting each other can we facilitate positive change so we can all enjoy the countryside for future generations to safely enjoy.”
In addition to the scientific elements of the project, the Clean River Kent Campaign has organised a wide range of activities to protect and promote the waterway, including river clean-ups, community events, and educational talks.
It has worked with a range of organisations on the project and other high quality citizen science, including the University of Cumbria, Freshwater Watch, Surfers Against Sewage, University of Lancaster and this element of the campaign, University of Sheffield.
Isobel added: “By working with the University of Sheffield we’re able to apply the latest scientific analysis to our work and deliver the next phase of the project.
“But none of this would be possible without the skilled team of volunteers along the length of the river Kent to partner with us, University of Sheffield and of course, Penny Conservation Charity.”
It’s hoped the results will be available later this year, to enable future work to be carried out.
