A Cumbrian river conservation charity has been awarded £218,685 for a project to work with landowners to revive the River Caldew.
Eden Rivers Trust has been given the cash by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Reconnecting and Reviving the Caldew project.
The first phase of the project began last month.
The River Caldew flows from upland sheep farms on Skiddaw through to Carlisle.
It is part of the Eden Site of Special Scientific Interest and supports wildlife including salmon, white-clawed crayfish and water voles.
The charity said the area was vulnerable to intense rainfall, which increased the risk of flooding and erosion.
Soil loss, water quality issues and invasive species also added to the strain on the environment.
The trust said focusing on the upper reaches of the river would help reduce flood risk downstream, protect food production and restore habitats.
John Rattray, head of conservation operations at Eden Rivers Trust, said: “We’ve been keen to work more closely with the farming community along the River Caldew for a long time, and thanks to National Lottery players, we can now make that ambition a reality.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with grassroots farmers and landowners to better understand their land, rivers and the challenges they face.
“By combining their farming and local knowledge with our expertise in riparian conservation, we can jointly develop solutions that restore the river’s ecosystem while sustaining productive, resilient farms.
“Together, we have a real opportunity to deliver regenerative farming, support natural river recovery and help shape a new business model that champions high quality, local produce with fewer food miles.”
Louise Sutherland, head of engagement for England North at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to support Eden Rivers Trust to develop strategies working in collaboration with farmers and landowners that can unlock benefits of investing in nature – environmentally, socially and economically.
“We hope this work, made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, will build on relationships and understanding to reconnect and restore the watercourses of the Caldew by enhancing their resilience to climate change and safeguarding this important freshwater heritage for future generations.”
The first phase of the project focuses on conversations about practical water management and farm resilience rather than construction.
By the end of this phase, the trust said it aimed to attract further external investment, supported by a strong farming network and a pipeline of practical projects that would futureproof farms, communities and the landscape.
Volunteers and local residents will also be invited to help improve understanding of the wildlife in the area.
