We’re pleased to report that the electrofishing surveys in July found a number of salmon fry in the upper sections of the beck, following the bypassing work last year, the first of any significance for sometime! The trees are doing well, the beck is looking fantastic and Colin from Aerial Artwork has produced a lovely little video which you can see here https://vimeo.com/473438282
We celebrated World Rivers Day on 27th September with river dipping sessions in the River Crake and given how the year has been so far we were pleased to find that the water levels were suitably low, the sun was shining and the sessions were fully booked. We found plenty of freshwater minibeasts, some amazing damselfly nymphs and even some fish.
We have produced a simple guide to help those with private sewage systems which explains the different types, when they should be emptied and how to get the best out of them. We’ve also included a local case study that shows the process for replacing a tank. For more information and to download a guide visit https://ccc.scrt.co.uk/your-guide-to-septic-tanks-private-sewage-systems/ We will be distributing the guides to households in the catchment over the next few weeks. We’re also working on producing material for holiday…
We went to Thurston Outdoor Education centre this week to check the trees that were planted back in December 2017. The work was part of a watercourse naturalisation scheme following the installation of a hydro-electric scheme at the centre. It’s brilliant to see how well this particular river restoration project has worked out. June 2018 Two and a half years on the trees are looking fantastic, with only a few losses out of the 120 planted. Following social distancing guidelines…
Art trail “In Search of the Salmon” launches in the Coniston & Crake catchment Six iconic aquatic species now feature in four stonewalls around the catchment, to highlight their plight and the work that is being undertaken to conserve them. The pieces have been beautifully carved by local sculptor Danny Clahane, on slate donated by Burlington Stone and the Holker Estate. Ellie Chaney drew the original illustrations on which Danny based his work. Stonewaller Peter Watson installed the pieces at…
Given the most up to date advice from our Government relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and social distancing, we have taken the decision to cancel the tree planting event scheduled for 28th March at Water Yeat. We’re still going to be planting the trees, just not as part of an organised event. Thank you for your understanding.
There was a fantastic turnout for the nest box workshop, held in Torver on February 22nd. Thirty one boxes were made in the session attended by around forty adults and children, helped by our excellent volunteers Les, Molly & Diana. The birds of the catchment (and beyond) will have some new homes this spring. It certainly shows how interested people are in helping the wildlife around them. The Eco-Group at Penny Bridge Academy also made six boxes so with…
Come along to our final nest box workshop on Saturday 22nd February, between 10.30am and 12.30pm at Torver Schoolroom (the Village Hall) in Torver. All materials and tools provided so make one for the project and one to take home for your garden. Suitable for adults and children, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Shrew success! Following surveys carried out by Envirotech Ecology consultants we are pleased to report that there is firm evidence of water shrews in the catchment. Britain’s largest shrew is semi-aquatic and is under monitored. Water shrews are active all year round so they do not hibernate. They have thicker fur than of other shrews, efficiently insulating them against wet and cold. They are particularly vulnerable to pollutants in water and river bank modifications. Water shrews have a high metabolism…
This year the project worked with a farmer to reduce sediment and phosphate inputs into the River Crake by formalising a ditch system with a Farm Constructed Wetland. Results show the wetland has made a reduction in phosphates by 76% in the water that reaches the River Crake! Read more on this on the activity section https://ccc.scrt.co.uk/farm-constructed-wetlands-2019/