Westcountry Rivers Trust

'Designating Your River Bathing Water' Webinar
2023-02-28 09:30 - 11:30 (Europe/London) | Cornwall
The Rivers Trust and Surfers Against Sewage bring you an introductory webinar for those interested in applying for official bathing water status for their river.
This webinar is aimed at local authorities, landowners, Rivers Trusts, NGOs, and grassroots community groups who are interested in submitting applications. Speakers will include those who have been involved in successful applications, as well as some who are just beginning the process.
This webinar supports the ‘Inland Bathing Water Development Project’, which aims to aid member trusts and local communities in their efforts to gain designated inland bathing water status, alongside working towards a target of 200 designated inland bathing waters by 2030.
Register for this zoom event at: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ArLcCI9fpqjIdfSzKzm0DOa2b1T696CRBuUq429vi89tKhB39E2f~AggLXsr32QYFjq8BlYLZ5I06Dg?mc_cid=264a69f033&mc_eid=2036cf3394

The South West Fly Fair
2023-02-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Roadford Lake, Broadwoodwidger, Lifton, Devon, PL16 0RL, United Kingdom
Join our Angling Officer at this fun and informative fair, to learn more about our Fish Pass App! https://fishpassapp.co.uk/
The South West Fly Fair is focused on fly fishing, with a range of talks and workshops for the whole family to enjoy.
Doors open at 10am with a welcome from the fair’s patron and one of the country’s most respected fly-fishing gurus, Charles Jardine, at 10.15am. Throughout the day there will be fly tying demonstrations from local and national experts, with a chance to ‘have a go’, as well as the opportunity to pick up useful tips and valuable advice. Other activities include casting demonstrations, fly casting lessons and clinics for both newcomers to the sport and experienced anglers feeling a little rusty after the closed season. There will also be trout cooking demonstrations by Gary Champion and the opportunity to meet members of fly fishing clubs based at lakes across the South West as well as find out more about coaching and tuition available in the region.
Trade stands will be selling new and used tackle and equipment and a bar and refreshments will be available.
Follow this link to learn more and secure your ticket https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/south-west-fly-fair-trout-2023. Pre-booking is essential!

Tavistock Neighbourhood Plan - Coffee and Conversations
2023-02-22 18:30 | Tavistock Town Hall, Bedford Square, Tavistock, PL19 0AE, United Kingdom
Come for Coffee and Conversation to discuss the Vision, Aims and Objectives of the Tavistock Neighbourhood Plan with members of the NDP Steering Group, as a part of the Upstream Thinking RRC project.
At the meeting you’ll be able to meet all of the steering group to discuss each aspect of the plan. We’ll have information about ideas that we’ve already discovered in the community as well as outside groups who are already working to help our community plan for the future.
This is an informal event with plenty of time for one to one discussion, and it would be helpful if you first take a look at the vision statement.
No booking required!

Climate Friendly Food
2023-02-22 11:00 - 15:00 | The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, St.Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN, United Kingdom
A Farm Net Zero event aimed at food businesses interested in local and sustainable food.
We are all now aware that we need to reduce carbon emissions in order to slow climate change. But how can this benefit you and your food business?

Join the Farm Net Zero team at the beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan to:

Learn more about how we measure the carbon footprint of farm produce
Hear how farmers are changing their production to become more sustainable
Discuss with others how to best utilise this opportunity within your food business

Follow this link to learn more and secure your free ticket https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/climate-friendly-food-tickets-517602792887
Fabulous locally-grown lunch included!

Superbugs Exeter
2023-02-18 10:00 - 2023-02-19 16:00 | Maketank, 3-5 Paris St, Exeter, Devon, EX1 2JB, United Kingdom
Join our Evidence and Engagement team at this pop-up exhibition, to learn more about the Trace Organics Profiling (TOP) project, which aims to provide the most thorough ever screening of our rivers for trace pollutants, such as pesticides which may contribute to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
This Superbug Exeter event creates a fun, interactive space for the public to learn more about the health threats of antimicrobial resistance. Spanning across two days, this exhibition aims to engage children and their parents/carers with world-leading science from the University of Exeter, through a special event featuring crafts, microscopes and the opportunity to meet scientists in Exeter city centre. This event follows on from the global campaign World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) in November 2022.
A taste of what you can expect:
– Swab yourself to see what microbes are growing on your body
– Create your own microbe
– Use microscopes to explore the hidden world of bacteria & fungi
– Fight antimicrobial resistance through fun, interactive games
– Collect stickers as you go around to win prizes and become an antimicrobial guardian
No need to book, just drop-in! The pop-up shop will be open from 10am – 4pm on both days.
Organised by TREE, the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology and researchers from the AMR Network.

Litter Pick
2023-02-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Budshead Wood Local Nature Reserve, Truro Dr, Plymouth, PL5 2PZ, United Kingdom
Join the Plymouth River Keepers and Preventing Plastic Pollution teams for a litter pick in Budshead Wood LNR.
Meeting at Ernesettle Scout Hut, Digby Way off Rochford Crescent.
No need to book, just turn up on the day. All equipment will be provided.

PROWATER Workshop: Ecosystem Service Quantification Across Borders
2023-02-16 12:00 - 15:00 | Cornwall
The University of Antwerp developed a tool applicable in the 2 Seas area (including regions in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France and Flanders) to assess ecosystem services resulting from Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures.
During this workshop, the University of Antwerp will demonstrate the results, after applying the tool on various PROWATER demonstration sites for Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures.
Examples of these Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) measures include temporary and permanent wetland restoration, conversion to lower interception vegetation types, soil restoration, river valley restoration, etc. In time of flood risk, these climate adaptation measures help lower the high water peaks in brooks and rivers. In time of drought and high water demand, the water stored in the landscape can be released back to the environment.
The tool assesses co-benefits (ecosystem services) resulting from these EbA measures, including water provisioning, water infiltration, water retention, carbon in the soil and more depending on available data.
This application allows us to explore the broader societal benefits of spatial development scenario’s, composed of different types of EbA measures on a larger scale. In turn this can provide inspiration and arguments to build strategic partnerships that can promote and implement the development scenario for more EbA measure.
Join the Microsoft Teams meeting below
Meeting ID: 360969019164
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Click here to join the meeting

Imagining a Net Zero Future
2023-02-03 10:00 - 2023-02-04 15:00 | The Princess Pavillion, 41 Melvill Rd, Falmouth, TR11 4AR, United Kingdom
Do you live in Falmouth and want a say in the future of your town?
If so, get involved in the ‘Imagining a Net Zero Future’ event happening next February. By stepping into the immersive ‘Strategy Room’ you will have all the resources you need to plan a brighter Net Zero future for Falmouth, including guidance from the Farm Net Zero expert team.
There will be 6 sessions spread across Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th February between 10am-3pm. To attend one of these sessions and take part in the debate please visit https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/imagining-a-net-zero-future

Plymouth River Keepers 'Outfall Safari'
2023-02-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Budshead Wood Local Nature Reserve, Truro Dr, Plymouth, PL5 2PZ, United Kingdom
Join us as a citizen scientist to learn about surverying surface water outfalls to help identify sources of water pollution and misconnections.
Meet at the Scout Hut, Digby Way, off Rochford Crescent, Ernesettle.
For further information email jenny@wrt.org.uk or call 01579372140.

Trees in the Farmed Environment
2023-02-01 10:00 - 15:30 | Bickleigh Village Hall, Bickleigh Village Hall, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 8RD, United Kingdom
Join our Senior Farm Advisor at this FABulous Farmers demonstration event exploring the value of trees in the farmed environment.
This FABulous Farmers demonstration event and workshop will cover:
• The value of trees in the farmed environment
• Funding and support for planting trees however big or small the scheme
• Managing trees and woodland
• How to make woodland pay
Complimentary refreshments and a pasty lunch provided.
Please note : We are visiting 2 farm sites which will include a 10 minute car journey.
Guidance and support on the day from Soil Association & FABulous Farmers, Forestry Commission, Upstream Thinking, Saving Devon’s Treescapes and other local partners.
For more information and to secure your free ticket visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/trees-in-the-farmed-environment-registration-494710942747?aff=eemailordconf&ref=eemailordconf&utm_campaign=order_confirm&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite&utm_term=viewevent

Community Climate Resilience Drop-in
2023-01-26 10:30 - 13:30 | St Andrew’s Church Hall, 2 St Andrews Cl, Ashburton, Newton Abbot, TQ13 7DT, United Kingdom
Would you like to help create local solutions to the impacts of climate change?
Join us for a drop in session to learn more about the Upstream Thinking RRC project and how it can help your community be more climate resilient.
Rapidly Responding Catchments, or RRCs, are quick draining catchment areas (under 10km²) where surface run-off during high rainfall events can overwhelm small communities. We would like to work with you to build your community’s climate resilience by co-creating innovative approaches such as Nature Based Solutions (NBS).
This work comes under the Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP) and is associated with the Dartmoor Headwaters Natural Flood Management Project
If you can’t make this one, there will be other sessions held on the 13th January in Walkhampton Memorial Hall and on the 21st January at Whitchurch Village Hall.

Tree Planting
2023-01-25 10:00 - 13:00 | The Old Playground, Tamerton Foliot, Plymouth, Devon, PL5 4XX, United Kingdom
Join our Plymouth River Keepers team to help plant three new trees in the Tamerton Foliot area, including a Field Maple, a Wild Cherry and a Crab Apple tree.
No need to book, just come along to the Old Playground in Tamerton Foliot – What3Words: ///drums.cherry.garage

Community Climate Resilience Drop-in
2023-01-21 10:30 - 13:30 | Whitchurch Village Hall, Church Hill, Whitchurch, Tavistock, PL19 9ED, United Kingdom
Would you like to help create local solutions to the impacts of climate change?
Join us for a drop in session to learn more about the Upstream Thinking RRC project and how it can help your community be more climate resilient.
Rapidly Responding Catchments, or RRCs, are quick draining catchment areas (under 10km²) where surface run-off during high rainfall events can overwhelm small communities. We have identified Walkhampton and Whitchurch as RRCs and would like to work with you to build your community’s climate resilience by co-creating innovative approaches such as Nature Based Solutions (NBS).
This work comes under the Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP) and is associated with the Dartmoor Headwaters Natural Flood Management Project.
If you can’t make this one, there will be other sessions held on the 13th January in Walkhampton Memorial Hall and on the 26th January at St. Andrew’s Church Hall.

Water for Growth Conference
2023-01-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter, EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
Join us for a day of presentations, posters and networking opportunities to mark the culmination of the 5-year ‘Water for Growth’ project. The Westcountry Rivers Trust will be hosting a conference exploring the many benefits that blue space experiences provide, alongside discussing how we can utilise and protect our rivers by increasing responsible, safe access and citizen science initiatives.
The ‘Water for Growth’ project has focused on improving local rivers and their associated fauna and flora, as a means of boosting Cornwall’s ‘Natural Capital’. In addition to creating fish passes, removing weirs, completing habitat works and mobile app developments, the project also encourages and facilitates the sustainable exploitation of river habitats, in the form of game angling.
The event will feature talks by representatives of the Westcountry Rivers Trust, Axe Vale Rivers Association, Economics for the Environment, Slowways, Tamara Landscape Partnership, Chardstock Eco Group, Plymouth University…and more.
Speakers will discuss how the development of different skills and technology could bring greater engagement and research into the success of projects like ‘Water for Growth’, that have health, community, environmental and socioeconomic benefits.
Your free event ticket will include lunch and refreshments.
Follow this link to reserve a spot at the conference https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/water-for-growth-conference-tickets-493616479177
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Water for Growth is a project funded by the European Regional Development Fund, HM Government and lead by WRT in partnership with the Environment Agency, Natural England and South West Water.

Community Climate Resilience Drop-in
2023-01-13 10:30 - 13:30 | Walkhampton Memorial Hall, Walkhampton, PL20 6JX, United Kingdom
Would you like to help create local solutions to the impacts of climate change?
Join us for a drop in session to learn more about the Upstream Thinking RRC project and how it can help your community be more climate resilient.
Rapidly Responding Catchments, or RRCs, are quick draining catchment areas (under 10km²) where surface run-off during high rainfall events can overwhelm small communities. We have identified Walkhampton and Whitchurch as RRCs and would like to work with you to build your community’s climate resilience by co-creating innovative approaches such as Nature Based Solutions (NBS).
This work comes under the Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP) and is associated with the Dartmoor Headwaters Natural Flood Management Project.
If you can’t make this one, there will be other sessions held on the 21st January in Whitchurch Village Hall and on the 26th January at St. Andrew’s Church Hall.

DiadESland: the serious game of the DiadES project
2023-01-13 08:30 - 17:00 | Rolle Plaza Marquee, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 6AP, United Kingdom
Westcountry Rivers Trust representatives will be attending this interactive session aimed at sparking ideas on how to conserve diadromous fish populations, come along and play!
DiadES is aimed at assessing and enhancing the ecosystem services (benefits to humans) provided by diadromous fish species (those that migrate from salt to fresh water) and develop policy recommendations in a climate change context. The project relies on an interdisciplinary partnership from five countries (i.e. Ireland, U.K., France, Spain and Portugal).
One of the main outputs of the project is a serious game called “DiadESland”. This innovative tool is a learning experience and helps foster discussions on managing diadromous species on the long term and large scale, including the effect of global change on the fish populations. You do not need to be an expert to play, this game is aimed at all policy or decision makers, environmental, fishers or sellers, and conservation type stakeholders.
Through playing the DiadESland game, the goal is to ignite open discussions about the management of diadromous species taking account dependencies between territories and the long term effects of climate change. This is an opportunity to discuss emerging possible strategies and management recommendations with likeminded colleagues. This is a dynamic and fun environment to discuss serious issues around a table. It is also an opportunity to learn new skills, particularly in the serious game approach. It will also be an excellent networking opportunity with your wider colleagues and stakeholders.
The University of Plymouth, The Rivers Trust and Cefas would like to invite you to meet to play DiadESland in Plymouth, U.K. on Friday 13th January 2023. This will be a fully catered event and the University of Plymouth are delighted to be able to cover your accommodation and travel expenses.
Learn more and secure your spot here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diadesland-the-serious-game-of-the-diades-project-tickets-479067984237

'Food for Thought' Film Screenings
2023-01-08 20:00 - 2023-01-26 21:00 | Cornwall
Should we all be giving up meat and dairy if we’re to have a hope of avoiding dangerous climate breakdown?
This is what the headlines seem to tell us. But is this too simplistic a picture – and what would this mean for Cornwall, where the majority of our farmland is used to raise livestock or to grow crops for these animals to eat?
Food for Thought looks at the undeniable impacts of modern animal agriculture as well as some of the incredible Cornish initiatives underway to mitigate them – and also the role that regenerative farming could play in actually combating climate change while producing nutritious food.
Presented by organic beef farmer Lisa Guy, this film aims to inspire much-needed conversation and action about a crucial subject that has become one of the most contentious within the climate debate.

The screenings will be happening across Cornwall in January:
8th January 8pm – Calstock Arts (tickets on the door)
12th January 6pm – St Ives Art Club (tickets on the door or available online https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/487523404627)
14th January 5pm – Truro Plaza Cinema (tickets available online https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/487548519747)
22nd January 7pm – Maker-with-Rame Community Hall, Kingsland (tickets on the door or available online https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/483829726737)
26th January – Wadebridge Town Hall (free evening screening)

Check out the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeHWhuI8ng8

'Nature Based Solutions' Webinar
2023-01-04 12:30 - 13:30 | Cornwall
Join Dr Sarah Ward from the Westcountry Rivers Trust in Webinar #8 of the RECLAIM network plus series.
The RECLAIM (Reclaiming Forgotten Cities – Turning cities from vulnerable spaces to healthy places for people) network is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for towns and cities to find the information and support you need to install green and blue infrastructure in your communities and put you in touch with others with similar experiences.
This webinar series shares best-practice and facilitates knowledge exchange between practitioners, researchers, policymakers, businesses, environmental groups, charities, or individuals interested in implementing green-blue-grey infrastructure to make our vulnerable living spaces more healthy, sustainable, and resilient. This episode will focus on ‘Nature Based Solutions’ and is FREE to attend.
To register please click here: https://t.co/EFJ0oE8akp

Outwintering cover crop trials
2022-12-14 11:00 - 13:30 | Blable Farm, Blable Farm, Wadebridge, PL27 7RF
This Lottery-funded Farm Net Zero event is kindly being hosted by Mike and Sam Roberts at Blable Farm, Wadebridge (one of our Farm Net Zero demo farms).

The field walk will look at the cover crop mixtures being trialled for outwintering cattle at Blable Farm, with discussions on their establishment and grazing management.
Data will be provided on cost of seed, biomass, and species selection.

Lunch will be provided, so booking is essential.
Please meet in the farmyard at PL27 7RF, signposted from the A39.
To book your place, contact:
Hannah Jones (Hannah.jones@farmcarbontoolkit.org.uk),
Alex Bebbington (alex.bebbington@duchy.ac.uk) or James Harbord (JamesH@wrt.org.uk)
