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Project

Riverlands: working to restore Cumbria's waterways

A view of Watendlath Beck Borrowdale, Lake District
A view of Watendlath Beck Borrowdale | © National Trust Images/John Malley

Rivers are life forces. They’ve helped sustain ecosystems, cultures and communities for millennia, their quiet power steadily shaping everything from landscapes to place names. But many of our rivers are under threat from climate change, pollution, and human-made changes to the landscapes and waterways, which is why the National Trust launched Riverlands.

The Cumbria Riverlands project stretches from Keswick in the north to Kendal in the south, across the central fells and finally out to sea. It encompasses the rivers themselves, the land which drains into them, and the rich array of wildlife and plants that call these varied habitats home. Together, these make up our ‘riverlands’.

Working with partners, our aim is to restore rivers and catchments to be healthy, clean and rich in wildlife; easily accessed and valued for their heritage and beauty; and with sustainable plans for their long term care.  We’ll post regular updates of the work we’re doing here, on this project timeline, so keep checking back to stay up to date.

Cumbria Riverlands Project

01 July 2025

Work Starts in Ennerdale

This summer we’re taking action to restore the River Liza in Ennerdale. While the majority of the river is wild and unrestricted, the final stretch as it enters Ennerdale Water has been historically straightened and simplified.

Our Riverlands rangers will be introducing varied natural features into the final downstream reach of the river, including lowering some sections of embankment and including riffles, pools and dead wood. Reinstating these features will create ideal environments for a range of animals and plants to thrive and encourage water to spread out across the delta so a diverse wetland habitat can develop, providing resilience for the lakeshore Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) plant communities.

We’ve worked closely with the Wild Ennerdale Partnership, the Environment Agency, Natural England, Forestry England and specialist archaeologists to develop an approach which allows the work to take place whilst protecting the existing habitats and landscape.

The construction will be taking place throughout July and August. Plans are in place to minimise disruption to our neighbours and the footpath network, but there will be machinery across the area so please follow the instructions on any safety signs if you’re visiting the valley.

Our thanks to the Wild Ennerdale Partnership and the Environment Agency for funding this project.

Straight section of river (Char Dub), lined with trees in full leaf. The water is clear and the stony river bed can be seen
Char Dub, Ennerdale | © National Trust / Hannah Haydock