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 a prominent 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 re-naturalise this section of the River Kent, improve navigation for migratory species, reduce flood risks for residents and provide a 44% biodiversity net gain.
