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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 20h

🏷 Big tech meets tiny mussels! 🐚✨ We've got a brand-new PIT tag reader & tags from the US, funded by Natural England's Species Recovery Programme. In partnership with @fba-freshwater.bsky.social, this is a game-changer for monitoring juvenile freshwater pearl mussels! (1/2)🌊

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Lovely to see our new Distington sculptures getting some attention on the BBC! 🪵⚙️ If you fancy a wander along Stubskill Beck, do check out the interactive wildlife wheels. Please do share to help us spread the word! 📰 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

New Watery Walk alert! 🥾 Explore Distington’s Stubskill Beck featuring 5 interactive oak sculptures by Daniel Weatheritt. Turn working cogs to reveal local wildlife lifecycles! Thanks to Distington School Year 3s & Potato Pot Fund. Download free map: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/trails/disti...

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Looking back on summer, it's been a record year for freshwater pearl mussels! 🐚 With @freshwaterbio we’ve released 2,448 juveniles into the River Irt - our biggest year yet, funded by @naturalengland. The Irt's aging population needs this boost to bring it back from the brink! #Cumbria #Conservation

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

We looked back at the balsam season and have extraordinary numbers! Our community outreach campaign united local groups to log 2,300+ volunteer hours, pulling 2.9M plants & stopping 750M seeds. Thanks to National Lottery Community Fund & Jennings Brewery! westcumbriariverstrust.org/projects/loc...

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

We’ve led a rainwater harvesting programme across our Waver Wampool catchment, helping nine farms capture and store rainfall, supporting livestock welfare, reducing pressure on rivers and building resilience as our climate changes.👉 www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/news/rainwat...

westcumbriariverstrust.org

Cumbrian farms install rainwater harvesting systems as dry weather highlights need for water resilience — West Cumbria Rivers Trust

Farmers across the Waver Wampool catchment in North Cumbria are participating in a co-ordinated rainwater harvesting programme designed to improve water quality, strengthen farm resilience, and help…

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

🔩 Final touches are underway! Our five Distington Watery Walk sculptures bring together local wildlife and industrial heritage, with interactive wheels revealing creature life cycles. After months in the workshop, they’re nearly ready. Look out, Distington! 👀 #WateryWalk #RivetingRivers

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

🥾 Our latest Watery Walk is taking shape! Our apprentices have been busy with fencing, a new boardwalk, waymarkers and drainage improvements at Distington, thanks to funding from the Potato Pot Community Benefit Fund, administered by GrantScape for Netro Energy Limited. #WateryWalk #WestCumbria

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

✏️ Before the oak, cogs and moving parts, there are pencil sketches. Daniel has mapped out all five creature life cycles to plan the pacing of each ring. Here’s the Common Frog, from sketch to cog in place. 🐸 #WateryWalk #PublicArt

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Out on the Rivers Esk and Mite last week with Francesca from Nature-Rich Miterdale collecting eDNA samples. 🌿💧 We’re looking for traces of water vole, signal crayfish and freshwater pearl mussels in West Cumbria’s rivers, helping us understand and protect local wildlife. #WestCumbria

Ruthie from West Cumbria Rivers Trust and Francesca from

Francesca from Nature-rich Mitredale undertaking eDNA samples in West Cumbria

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Things are heating up! 🔥 Daniel is using a specialist pyrography tool with custom-made metal nibs to burn intricate wildlife illustrations directly into the oak. Each line is drawn by hand, adding another layer of detail to the Distington Watery Walk sculptures. #WateryWalk #PublicArt

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Colour staining is now underway for the Distington Watery Walk sculptures, while intricate pyrography patterns are being burned into the oak life cycle panels using a custom-made metal nib. 🎨 The five sculptures are getting closer to their outdoor home in Distington! 🌿 #WateryWalk #Cumbria

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

🎉 We did it! Our final #PullTogether balsam bash pulled 46,000+ Himalayan balsam plants, stopping 12 million seeds entering the Cocker catchment. That final push took us over the line, meaning we’ve now reached our campaign goal of 132,000 plants pulled 🌱💙 #HealthyRivers

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

The Watery Walk sculptures are almost ready for their final finish 🌊✨ Daniel Weatheritt has assembled the five oak sculptures, adding precision bearings to help the cogs move smoothly. Next up: colour staining and oil varnishing to protect and enhance the oak. 🌿 #WateryWalk

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

A lot of the craft happens behind the scenes 🌊 Daniel Weatheritt has been adding oak spacers and braces to strengthen the Watery Walk sculptures, carefully joining the components together so they’re built to last outdoors. The details you don’t see are just as important. 🌿 #WateryWalk

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

The details are taking shape 🌊 Daniel Weatheritt has been hand-carving flowing river channels into the oak panels of the five Watery Walk sculptures. The outer carving is now complete, revealing how these unique pieces will come together as one installation. 🌿 #WateryWalk

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

A hidden staircase in a set of wooden cogs? 🌊✨ Daniel Weatheritt’s five oak cogs for the new Watery Walk at Distington have been assembled, revealing a fascinating view through each piece. Next up: pyrography to add the finishing details. 🌿 #WateryWalk #PublicArt

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

A brilliant day of teamwork at Hallsenna 🌿 Our volunteers have been creating leaky dams across the peatland, using locally sourced timber to slow water flow, retain moisture and help restore healthier bog conditions. A huge thank you to everyone who worked in the heat to make this happen! 💧

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

The Watery Walk is taking shape! 🌊✨ Artist Daniel Weatheritt has been busy crafting five oak cogs for the new Distington installation. The pieces have now been routed and cut, with the next stage creating viewing windows within the sculptures. We can’t wait to see them come to life! 🌿 #WateryWalk

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

We’re celebrating 3 volunteers who’ve each given 1,000+ hours with us. 💚 That’s 125 full days each of muddy boots, early starts, skill-building & care for local rivers & wildlife. It’s a HUGE commitment. Thank you for everything you do 💦 Meet them & hear their stories ❤️

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Hot weather draws us to water 💧 Explore our 11 Watery Walks this summer. Download a trail guide packed with river facts, family activities and creative discoveries, from River Totems at Egremont to the restoration frame at Derwent Water. 🌿 www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/trails #RiverWalks

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Something exciting is taking shape in Distington! 🌿 Artist Daniel Weatheritt is putting the finishing touches to a new Watery Walk sculpture, inspired by ideas from Year 3 pupils at Distington Primary School. We can't wait to share it! 💙 #WateryWalk #PublicArt

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

🧵 A river given room to breathe. 🌿🐟 We've just completed the final works on a restoration project along a tributary of St John's Beck. Working with a local farmer, we reconnected the river with its floodplain, restored natural processes and created a new side channel.

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Two new NFM ponds on Tom Rudd Beck in Cockermouth 💧🌿 They'll help slow and store water during heavy rainfall and, over time, become valuable wetland habitat for wildlife. Working with nature to build resilience for people and wildlife. #NaturalFloodManagement

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Kingfisher is getting plenty of votes for the next Bank of England banknote. We're voting Atlantic salmon. 🐟 One of Britain's most remarkable wildlife migrations. Now an Endangered species in Great Britain. That's a story worth putting in people's pockets. www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/he...

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Biosecurity 💦 Sounds complicated, but it's simply about stopping invasive species from spreading. As we head outdoors to play, a few simple actions can make a big difference 🌿 Swipe to find out how you can help protect Cumbria's wild waters 👉

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Got Himalayan balsam near you? 🌸 Why not gather some friends and start a balsam bashing group? We can provide support, advice & guidance to help. Swipe to learn more 👉 Together we can help restore healthier riverbanks across West Cumbria 🌱 www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/projects/loc...

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

It’s #INNSWeek 🌿 Invasive non-native species can have a huge impact on our rivers and wildlife. Swipe to learn more about Himalayan balsam and how you can help. Join a balsam bash, or start your own group and help protect our rivers 💪 www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/projects/loc... #HimalayanBalsam

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Delighted to welcome Baroness Hayman, Minister for Biosecurity, Borders and Animal Welfare, to Cumbria last Friday to see our work tackling invasive non-native species. With 43M visitors to Cumbria each year, spreading the message of Check, Clean, Dry is vital to protect our blue spaces. 🌿💧

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Had a great strategy session at Keswick Rugby Club with Trustees & the team, lots of good thinking and a really positive feel for what’s next. Nice surprise spotting Jennings Brewery Balsam Basher on the bar too 🍻 If you fancy joining a bash, read more 👉https://bit.ly/4uAJM1u

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Beer + balsam = oddly perfect combo 🍺🌿 Join our open balsam bash with Jennings Brewery Wed 24 June 10–3. Help tackle invasive Himalayan balsam, then enjoy a free pint. Drop in, do what you can, leave when you like. #PullTogether #BalsamBasher www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk/pages/wcrt-x...

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

We’re hiring 🌿 Two roles working on rivers and catchments. 🌳Project Officer (Commons) – full time, 12 months (extension expected). Deadline 24 June, 9am 💧 Catchment Officer – full time, permanent. Deadline 30 June, 9am Details on our website. www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/jobs

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Massive thanks to everyone who joined our first #PullTogether event with @jenningsbrewery25 on Saturday. 💚 50,490 Himalayan balsam plants pulled. 13 million seeds prevented from spreading. 38% of target achieved. Fancy helping us finish the job? www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk/pages/wcrt-x...

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

What a week! First up, a few photos from our balsam bash with the Jennings Brewery team. 🍻🌿 It was great to meet the people behind the pints and see them get stuck into pulling Himalayan balsam ahead of our first public bash of the season. More photos to come!

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Reposted by West Cumbria Rivers Trust

Atlantic Salmon Trust @ast-salmon.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

✔️ VOTE FOR ATLANTIC SALMON We're pleased to share the news that Atlantic salmon have been shortlisted as one of the potential animals to appear on future Bank of England notes. Please spare 2 minutes to vote at 👉https://app.keysurvey.co.uk/f/41844465/6049/

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

🎉 We're celebrating a Volunteer Week milestone! 60 volunteers have now reached 50 hours of volunteering with West Cumbria Rivers Trust and earned one of our 50-hour tops. 💚 Thank you to everyone who gives their time to help rivers, wildlife and local communities thrive. #VolunteersWeek

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Who knew a handful of willow cuttings could do so much? These goat willows were planted to help slow erosion along the River Irt. As they grow, their roots help stabilise the bank while their branches soften the force of the water. An added bonus? Future habitat for fish and other wildlife. 🐟🌿

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Our first Pull Together: Bash the Balsam event with Jennings Brewery is on 6 June. Help protect the river Cocker on 6 June and get a free pint afterwards (18+). www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk/pages/wcrt-x... #PullTogether #RiverCocker #Volunteering

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

We get the idea behind No Mow May. A break from mowing is good, and can give pollinators a short-term boost. But maybe the real win is more permanent wild corners in your garden 24/7. #WildlifeGardening #Pollinators

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Trees and rivers are deeply connected. 🌳💧 Trees shade rivers, cool the water, slow heavy rainfall and hold riverbanks together. Fallen leaves and branches create habitat for wildlife too. Healthy rivers need trees. What’s your favourite river like? #NatureRecovery #Rivers #Wildlife

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Woodlands for Water update 🌿 Our target was 20ha of new woodland in 25-26 and we delivered 70.3ha across 7 sites, plus 92,105 trees and 580m of hedgerow. If you have 1ha+ in West Cumbria (gardens excluded), funding is available & we’d love to hear from you.🌱 bit.ly/4cnOQzt

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

A first outing for new tools at Hallsenna 🌱 Volunteers tested tree poppers to remove scrub by the roots on this lowland peat site. Birch encroachment can dry peat and release stored carbon. Careful management helps restore peat, supporting habitats and river resilience. 🌿

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

🌿 New installations have gone up at Walkmill Community Woodland Explore 29 new features on the site’s history, wildlife and heritage – from story benches & tactile trails to a striking mining memorial. Co-created with the local community using memories & oral histories. Discover: www.walkmill.org

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Our new riverside artwork has finally been unveiled at Derwent Water 💧🌿 Created by Daniel Weatheritt, the oak sculpture celebrates river restoration at Barrow Beck and was inspired by ideas from young people. Read more: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/news/new-scu...

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

🐸 Toad Patrol volunteers needed! Frogs, toads & newts are crossing roads in Keswick this spring. Help get them safely across – no experience needed, equipment provided. Even a few evenings makes a huge difference! 💚 Sign up: westcumbriariverstrust.org/volunteer

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

✨ Last week, Isabella joined us here at WCRT for her Dream Placement! She got hands-on with water sampling, community events, visitor surveys, Youth Panel planning, and even hedge laying & tree planting. She said it was “inspiring to see how WCRT protects rivers, land, and communities” 🌱

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Whilst you might think winter is still hanging around, our freshwater friends are already partying into spring! 🐸🌱 Frogs, toads and newts are on the move; our volunteers captured these images from Walkmill Community Woodland near Whitehaven. Nature is waking up! #RiverWildlife #SpringAwakening

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Characters are coming to life on the Derwent Water sculpture! 🎨✨ We’ve set an installation date – by month’s end it will finally meet the water that inspired it. We can’t wait to share it with you!

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

We popped back to Bransty Primary to see our SuDS system in action! 🌧️➡️🌱 Flooded garden? Now a place for water play and learning, supporting children and nature together in West Cumbria. #GreenerGrounds #SuDS #NaturePlay

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West Cumbria Rivers Trust @westcumbriart.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Things are moving fast on the Derwent Water sculpture. Careful carving is turning into something that feels properly whole, with new details appearing daily. We’re even starting to talk installation dates now. Exciting times ahead. #WateryWalks #DrawnToWater #RiversAndArt

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