It’s time to give back to Eden’s rivers

Cumbrian environmental charity, Eden Rivers Trust celebrates their 25th Anniversary with the launch today of its anniversary appeal, 25 in 25.

They are asking everyone who cares about their local river to give £25 to help the charity do even more over the next 25 years to improve and protect the rivers we all love.

The River Eden has been there for us all during the Covid-19 pandemic, a reassuring presence when our daily lives were anything but normal. Throughout last years’ glorious spring and summer when we couldn’t see our siblings, grandchildren, parents and our best friends; we could still get out to the river, be soothed by the flow of water and take pleasure in watching familiar wildlife along its length.

Yet the UK’s rivers are under greater pressure than ever—and Eden’s rivers, streams and lakes are no different.

For 25 years, Eden Rivers Trust has been the local champion of Eden’s rivers; creating and protecting havens for wildlife, ensuring that precious fresh water is clean and safe for everyone and spreading the word about healthy rivers far and wide to thousands of fellow Cumbrians.

Elizabeth Radford, Chief Executive Officer, Eden Rivers Trust explains why they are launching this appeal now:

“Having healthy rivers for all in the Eden catchment is a long-term labour of love for our charity. Many of Eden’s rivers are still under threat – from a combination of climate change and people placing increasing demands on fresh water for homes and businesses and causing harm by polluting and littering rivers.

“The message is clear - it’s time to give back to Eden’s rivers.

“In our 25th anniversary year, if your local rivers and green spaces hold a special place in your heart, please give £25 to our anniversary appeal, 25 in 25. Your gift will help us do even more over the next 25 years to improve and protect the rivers we all love.”

The difference that could be made:

A gift of £25 could buy the spade that plants a thousand trees … protecting more homes from flooding.

If ten people give £25 the Trust could buy a new riverfly monitor the kit they need to be an early warning system for pollution … saving endangered native wildlife such as the White-clawed crayfish.

If 100 people give £25, the Trust could create a pond to hold back water from reaching the river during heavy rainfall and create homes for wildlife … meaning more food available for hungry birds!