Practical Conservation Support

Volunteering with us is a great way to spend time outdoors, meet new people and course, improve the river.

Our conservation volunteers are vital to the Trust and carry out practical tasks that improve habitat and make the river a better place to be.

Tackle Invasive Species

• Himalayan Balsam is an invasive plant that dominates our riverbanks. Due its short roots, its presence results in riverbank erosion. Removing this invasive plants allows native species to colonise and stabilise the riverbank.

Debris Clearance

• Often after a storm event our paths are covered in flood debris, resulting in new paths being formed. This causes further habitat disturbance. Our work to clear debris means that members of the public can remain on footpaths and protect the surrounding habitat.

Restoring Riverbanks

• Willow spiling is a traditional natural method of controlling bank erosion. Through weaving live willow rods between live willow posts, the bank behind is filled with sediments for the willow to root into and stabilise the bank.

Tree Planting

• Tree planting is an important part of our year. Through increasing tree cover, we reduce flood risk throughout the catchment whilst providing shade for our fish during the hotter months, the provision of woody debris also benefits invertebrates, which in turn supplies food for fish.

Skills

• Although you don't need formal training or experience to be a TRT volunteer you do need a level of physical ability as most tasks are practical and invlolve, lifting, carrying and walking of some description. The ground is often uneven in areas where we work and volunteers must tell us if they have any medical needs, allergies etc.
• We work in all weathers, rain or shine and so volunteers must come dressed for the weather and provide their own lunch, sunscreen, insect repellent and sturdy shoes etc
• The volunteer day usually does not exceed 4 or 5 hours depending on where we are working and what the task is. We do expect individuals to work as a team while out on task, we have a lovely group of like minded people.