End of an era

As a trustee, and latterly as Chair of Trustees, Charles Ecroyd has guided our charity through some key events over the last ten years; recruitment of a new CEO, finding a new home for the trust, strengthening the Board and its governance, and winning funding for a series of major conservation and community projects, including the recent award of a £2m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the partnership project, Access to Eden: Breaking barriers, building bridges.

It’s fair to say that the River Eden is part of Charles’ DNA. The river runs through his estate near Armathwaite and generations of his family have promoted good stewardship of the river; working with a wide range of organisations to further angling, conservation and sound river management.

Charles’ involvement with the charity follows in the footsteps of his late father, Peter, who was one of ERT’s founding trustees. On hearing that the board was looking for a trustee with experience as a fishery owner, Charles stepped up – and the rest is history.

He recalls some of his highlights:

"It’s been very satisfying to see the huge increase in the number and diversity of river restoration projects over ten years; from large river re-meandering at Thrimby Grange and Flakebridge, to ‘stage zero’ (blocking drains to let watercourses find their own way) at Bessy gill to produce extensive wetlands. I have been encouraged by very specific habitat creation work that has led to recent water vole releases.

"Then was the roaring success of the Eden Rivers Wonder World Exhibition at Tullie House, and the incremental development of the tree nursery in Penrith by the volunteers – a delightful place where so many people have found fun and hope.  The move to a shiny new office in Gilwilly in 2021 felt very good, and I was so proud when the team secured the huge bid for the Access to Eden: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges project. From the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This shows the benefits of aiming high."

Reflecting on his time as Chair of the Board of Trustees, Charles added:

"I feel the Trust knows and is known by so many more people in the Eden compared to ten years ago. The importance of ‘our rivers’ is better understood. This is due in no small part to our ever-expanding network of volunteers – over 200 now – and to the many organisations that see us as worthy partners in larger endeavours, such as the Westmorland Dales and Fellfoot Forward projects.  

"Finally, I am proud of and indebted to my fellow trustees past and present, who have steered ERT with thought, care and commitment. We have worked hard to become more diverse Board, with different energies and perspectives.  I am leaving the charity on a tremendous high with the Trust in a very strong position to build on past successes and take on new challenges to achieve ERT’s environmental goals."

Our CEO, Elizabeth Radford added her thanks:

"Charles has been a super Chair for Eden Rivers Trust and for me personally. He has steered the organisation with intelligence, kindness and care. His support of the whole team has been unwavering. He can see the bigger picture of our work and the potential of the Trust. His willingness to consider other perspectives has enabled us to be bolder and take on new challenges that are important for rivers, but not always easy to address – that is true leadership."