A plan to increase public enjoyment of the River Eden and improve its health has received a £181,190 cash boost from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Conservation charity Eden Rivers Trust is receiving the grant to develop the Access to Eden: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges project, which is intended to improve both access to the river and also its natural heritage by breaking down barriers for people and nature to thrive in.
The cash is being described as development funding for use by the trust and its partners, with the aim being to apply for a larger National Lottery grant at a later date.
According to the charity, the project will remove the barriers preventing people from accessing the natural heritage of Eden and build the bridges needed to give them the confidence to enjoy our blue and green spaces. Having healthy, thriving natural spaces is key to this, so there are also plans to remove barriers for Eden’s wildlife, connect habitats and promote nature recovery.
Specific aims include creating and improving accessible green spaces in Penrith and Carlisle, and re-discovering and connecting paths and trails along the River Eden. Improved access will be achieved through a set of trails — both new and improved existing ones.
These will include some fully accessible routes and new “ways to the water”, with train trips to Settle-Carlisle stations and on to the river for all ability and mobility levels. There will be wheelchair hubs in Appleby and Carlisle.
The trust’s chief executive, Elizabeth Radford, said: “We’re working with a greater variety of partners than ever before, from Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to 4Eden, Penrith and Eden Refuge Network, Cumbria Canoeists, Carlisle Waverley Viaduct Trust, Access the Dales and the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company.
“Many of these partners bring new perspectives, skills and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those Cumbrians who experience the greatest barriers to getting out into this landscape. We want to involve many more in the course of this project.
“We can’t wait to get started co-creating innovative and rewarding experiences and conservation activities with all our partners that will break down the barriers to people being able to connect with nature and help more people know and love the Eden and be enthused and empowered to help with its conservation and save our natural heritage.”
A further aim is a river revival, with environmental organisations and communities improving and protecting wildlife habitats, removing barriers to fish migration and tackling invasive species.
Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “I’m delighted we are providing support to this major new project which recognises the vital role of rivers and lakes as the lifeblood and heartland of communities. The work of Eden Rivers Trust will help to ensure our natural heritage is preserved and enhanced for the benefit of all.”
