One standout project in the Access to Eden programme shows what partnership can achieve:
In Carlisle’s suburbs, in a council-owned green space, a straightened stretch of the River Petteril flows through wood and meadow. It suffers from pollution and degraded habitat, and is undercutting the West Coast Mainline railway.
With Network Rail, the local council, and the community involved and in support, we’ve got an ambitious plan to rewiggle the river, add new pools to create new habitats and protect this vital transport infrastructure.
A nearby school is involved too — with pupils learning about rivers and, with their families and the wider community, helping tackle invasive species like Himalayan balsam.
With worries about antisocial behaviour here, we’re also working with young people to co-design the rejuvenated green space, making it safer, more welcoming, and more connected to nature.
Just upstream, a smaller partnership between ERT, a local farmer, and RAISE Community Forest is planting trees along the watercourse — reducing agricultural pollution, preventing erosion, and creating habitat.
Photo: Staff from Network Rail assess the damage along the banks of the Petteril whilst on a site visit with Eden Rivers Trust.
All positives. All partnership.
