Wasdale Valley volunteers receive replacement tools to continue conservation efforts

United Utilities has recognised the hard work of community members from the Wasdale Valley by providing much needed replacement tools for their river cleaning activity via the Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund.

Since 2016 a group of volunteers have met in the Wasdale Valley with a significant amount of their activities focusing on the preservation and improvement of the River Irt.

From hedge and tree planting and maintenance, fence, dry stone wall, and path repairs, and controlling rhododendron and Himalayan Balsam growth, the 18-strong team not only help with the conservation of the natural environment but maintain public access to the area.

Over the years, their efforts have seen the tools they use wear out. After applying to the Community Fund, the group received new tools to continue their vital work in the area. River rangers, Robert Holmes and Martyn Wilson, met with the group to handover their new tools and take part in Balsam bashing, helping to remove the invasive species from the area.

On behalf of the group, Phil Scotchbrook said: We’re all volunteers, all local to the area and want to do something to help the environment. As a group we get on very well together. If we can do our bit we’re protecting the River Irt and the multiple species that thrive here.

“Today we’ve been balsam bashing. We’ve driven the balsam a mile downstream over the past five or six years and it shows our efforts are reaping rewards.

“This donation from Untied Utilities is going to make a huge difference. Having proper tools will mean we’re able to carry out our work much more efficiently. What could have taken six hours, will now take us two.”

Andrew Kendall, county business leader at United Utilities added, “We were pleased to be able to help the volunteers in Wasdale Valley. They’re doing a great job and we’re happy that this new equipment will help them as they continue their conservation efforts. When setting up the Community Fund, this is just the kind of group we aimed to support. We hope this encourages others to apply to continue to keep the North West’s rivers healthy.”