Our volunteers are a crucial part of our team, we couldn’t operate our Trust without them. We’re always looking for enthusiastic people to join. There are plenty of events to get involved with from surveying rivers for invasive species to planting trees or helping out at events. It’s a great way to learn more about our work, enjoy the great outdoors, keep fit, meet friends and give something back to nature and your community.
Take a look at our video showing what a regular day out volunteering with West Cumbria Rivers Trust looks like, or view our Volunteer Handbook to see what’s involved.
*Update: We’re particularly keen for new volunteers to get involved with our fish surveys (see below for more info on fish surveys).
We run volunteering days doing a wide range of activities. Check out Better Impact to see what’s on.
We have regular days in several areas - events are listed on our event calendar.
Meeting on the second Thursday of the month, we do practical conservation tasks in the Cocker catchment, ranging from tree and hedge planting to invasive species management.
Meeting on the third Wednesday of the month, we do practical conservation tasks in the Glenderamackin catchment ranging from tree and hedge planting to invasive species management.
Join us on the second Wednesday of each month at locations throughout the River Irt catchment area, where we do a wide range of conservation tasks to improve the habitat and water quality. Our friendly group of regular volunteers will make you feel welcome.
Wasdale Wednesdays are run in partnership with the National Trust.
Join us on the second Saturday of each month at Walkmill for a variety of conservation projects. Contact Sarah Clarke for more details
sarahclarke@westcumbriariverstrust.org
Join us on the forth Thursday of every month at Walkmill Woods for some practical conservation volunteer work. Contact Sarah for more details sarahclarke@westcumbriariverstrust.org
Toad Patrol (Spring)
Every year, volunteers nationwide go out at night to help amphibians (frogs, toads and newts) on their spring migration cross busy roads. We need volunteers for West Cumbria Rivers Trust’s toad patrols on the A591 near Keswick.
Data from the different toad patrols is collected by citizen science project Toads on Roads, coordinated by charity Froglife. If you know of roads where animals are being run over, you can add it to their crossing site map (note: reporting a site doesn’t mean it will be patrolled).
Our annual fish surveys in the River Derwent catchment look for juvenile salmon and trout to determine the health and state of the catchment and monitor the species’ spawning success. Survey results also help us identify areas that are underperforming and secure funding for projects to improve habitat and water quality, and aid fish passage. We use the semi-quantitative electrofishing method to conduct our surveys.
We need your help for our 2023 survey season. If you’re interested in taking part, please contact ruth@westcumbriariverstrust.org
Why not organise an environmental leave day for your company? It’s a great team-builder and your staff will be smiling inside and out knowing they’ve done their bit for the environment. Contact Sarah on sarahclarke@westcumbriariverstrust.org for more information.
We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers. There is plenty to do from surveying rivers for invasive species to helping out at events and developing promotional material. Volunteering with us is a great way to learn about our work and enjoy the local countryside while doing your bit for the environment.
