Securing National Lottery support to kickstart River Caldew recovery

The River Caldew reflects Cumbria’s rich and varied landscape, flowing from upland sheep farms on Skiddaw to dairy and beef farming in its lower reaches, before becoming an urban river through Carlisle. Its history is shaped by industry, from mills and factories to legacy mining in the Mosedale valley and near High Pike.

Part of the Eden Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the catchment supports rare wildlife, including salmon, White-clawed crayfish and Water vole, although gaps in data mean that there isn’t a complete picture of where they are found in the Caldew. 

The same features that make this area special also leave it vulnerable; as the wettest part of the catchment, it faces growing pressures from more intense rainfall due to our changing climate, leading to increased risk of flooding and erosion. Soil loss, water quality issues and invasive species add to the strain.

We believe that focusing on the upper reaches of the river is key to tackling these challenges; reducing flood risk downstream, protecting food production and restoring habitats for wildlife.

Without this funding from the Heritage Fund, the impact of flooding has the potential to be catastrophic and our natural heritage will be lost forever. 

The development phase of the project starts in June 2026. and opens with conversations to develop ways of working, rather than construction and will focus on practical water management, river health and farm resilience.

John Rattray, Head of Conservation Operations explains further: 

“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.”

As well as working closely with farmers, volunteers and local residents will be invited to help improve understanding of the wildlife present in the catchment and where action is most needed - caring for and enjoying their local river.

By the end of this phase, we aim to attract further external investment, supported by a strong farming network and a pipeline of practical projects that will future-proof farms, communities and the landscape.

Louise Sutherland, Head of Engagement, 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.”

Look out for project updates and opportunities to get involved!