Our Latest News

Launch of a fundraising venture with WWF to help with the removal of the old and redundant weir at Sunny Bank on Torver Beck. This crowdfunding initiative has been organised by WWF Netherlands to help improve fish migration across Europe and two projects from South Cumbria Rivers Trust were chosen; Sunny Bank weir removal and the re-naturalise a feeder beck to the Gilpin River at Crosthwaite. To learn more about the crowdfunding projects visit https://crowdfunding.wnf.nl/    

We were out litter picking on Wednesday along a section of the River Crake, working downstream from Spark Bridge with our brilliant volunteers and using new litter pickers. We collected 6 bags worth of litter & an old piece of iron fencing – not as much as we thought we might collect – which was good but there was  a lot of plastic which wasn’t so good. Some of the more unusual items did raise a chuckle and some eyebrows including…

Latest phase in beck naturalisation at Thurston Outdoor Education Centre. Read the full story at https://ccc.scrt.co.uk/buried-becks-thurston-outdoor-education-centre/

We’re excited to announce that Conserving Coniston & Crake will be hosting an art workshop with Torver based artist Jackie Hadwin. Jackie is a specialist in watercolours, well known for her work of Cumbrian scenes, wildlife, ducks and sheep. The one day workshop, ideal for beginners as well as those with more artistic skills and experience, will focus on the amazing wildlife and landscapes of the Coniston and Crake Valley area. It takes place on Wednesday 8th August, booking is…

Conserving Coniston & Crake and SCRT are looking to improve salmon & trout migration by removing a small, redundant weir on Torver Beck and now need help to determine ownership of both the weir and river bed. Currently the four main landowners adjacent to the weir have been consulted regarding ownership, including Sunny Bank Mill and the Lake District National Park Authority but none are claiming ownership of either the weir or the bed. Land registry searches have also failed…

Another great opportunity to have some fabulous freshwater fun at Spark Bridge. Join us on Wednesday 30th May, 10.30am – 12noon, for a spot of dipping for mayfly nymphs and some fishy arts & crafts. Free activity ideal for families, just bring your wellies as all equipment is provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Nearly thirty children and adults turned out on a glorious Thursday morning to spend time searching in the River Crake for freshwater minibeasts. The river was running a little fast due to the fact it had rained constantly the day before but we still found plenty of beasties to have a closer look at. Someone even managed to collect a little fish to much excitement. All the creatures were returned safely to the river. There was even time to do…

Mike & Kath have been putting up the nest boxes made by students from the John Ruskin School in a woodland area along the River Crake. Plenty of new homes for blue tits, coal tits, robins, wrens and hopefully spotted & pied flycatchers may take up residence too. Many thanks to John Cleaver and John Townsend for their support.     

Freshwater Minibeasts – Thursday 5th April 10.30am-12noon. Join us for some river dipping as we look for freshwater minibeasts living in the River Crake at Spark Bridge. Fishy art & crafts in Spark Bridge village hall. Especially suitable for families but you don’t need children to join in! All children must be accompanied by an adult. Wellies and waterproofs essential. (you may want to bring spare clothes/a towel just in case) All equipment provided. Meet at Spark Bridge Village Hall.…

A lovely morning of freshwater fun with Little Chatters, looking for minibeasts in the river Crake at Spark Bridge. We found, stonefly nymphs, mayfly nymphs, flatworms , snails, caseless caddis fly and a fish!